Iran has sharply condemned the United States after US forces seized two tankers allegedly carrying Iranian oil, calling the action “armed robbery on the high seas” and a violation of international law.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated on April 27, 2026, that the seizures were “a clear example of piracy” and warned of consequences. The US has not officially commented on the specific incident, but similar actions in the past have been justified under sanctions enforcement.
The tankers were reportedly intercepted in international waters, though exact locations remain unconfirmed. Iran has called for the immediate release of the vessels and their crews, threatening retaliatory measures.
This incident escalates tensions in the Persian Gulf, where shipping lanes are critical for global oil supplies. The US Navy has increased patrols in the region, citing the need to counter illicit oil trade.
