Iran files complaint at UN over US' 'illegal, barbarous' ship seizure

Iran's Foreign Ministry has lodged a formal complaint with the UN secretary-general and the International Maritime Organization over the US seizure of the Iranian merchant vessel Touska on Monday, condemning it as an "illegal and barbarous act" that violates both international law and the ceasefire agreement, Report informs via Al Jazeera.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran, while warning of the very dangerous consequences of this illegal and criminal act by the United States, emphasizes the need for the immediate release of the Iranian ship, its sailors, crew, and their families," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement, shared by IRNA.

The statement says that the seizure was "accompanied by intimidation of the sailors and crew of the ship and their families."

On February 28, the US and Israel launched military operations against Iran. That same day, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes. In retaliation, Iran launched missile and drone strikes on Israel and other countries of the region housing US military assets.

Iran, the US, and their allies agreed to a two-week ceasefire on the night of April 8, 2026.

Subsequent negotiations between Iran and the US, mediated by Pakistan, were held in Islamabad on April 11-12.

Trump announced the opening of the Strait of Hormuz to shipping on April 15, despite the continued naval blockade of Iranian ports. This step was taken to preserve relations with China. Later, on April 18, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGC Navy) of Iran announced the closure of the waterway, arguing that this was due to the violation of the ceasefire agreement and the ongoing blockade of Iranian ports by the American military.