Iran Accuses US of Piracy Over Naval Blockades and Oil Tanker Seizures

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei sharply criticized the United States for seizing oil tankers and imposing naval blockades, calling the actions "state-sanctioned piracy." The diplomatic clash reflects escalating tensions as Washington seeks to economically cripple Iran by restricting its oil exports, while Tehran responds by blocking shipping through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global shipping chokepoint through which roughly one-fifth of the world's oil passes, connecting the Persian Gulf to international waters. Iran's ability to disrupt traffic through the narrow waterway gives it significant leverage in its confrontation with US-led sanctions targeting its energy sector.