Iranian envoy to UN condemns US capture of Iran's vessel, urges accountability

Iran has accused the United States of carrying out an unlawful attack on an Iranian commercial vessel in the Sea of Oman on April 19, warning the United Nations Security Council that the incident amounts to piracy and a serious breach of international law. In a letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Security Council President Jamal Fares Alrowaiei on April 21, Saeed Iravani said US action against the vessel “Touska” requires UN action and accountability, Iranian media reported. Iravani said US forces targeted the vessel “Toska”, alleging the use of "coercion, intimidation, and the reckless endangerment of the vessel’s crew and their families," describing it as a “grave violation” of international law, including the prohibition on aggression. Also Read: Iran says no talks with US until blockade lifted despite ceasefire extension He said it constituted a breach of a ceasefire agreement reached earlier this month. Tehran also argued the attack qualifies as an act of aggression under UN General Assembly Resolution 3314 which defines an act of aggression as a state allowing its armed forces to attack another state’s ships or aircraft, used to legally frame acts of military aggression under international law. The letter further claimed the operation reflects “piracy in nature” and warned it could escalate tensions and threaten the security of key maritime routes. Iran urged the Security Council and UN secretary-general to condemn the incident, and ensure "full accountability for those responsible, and demanding the US to immediate and unconditional release of the vessel, its crew and their families, and all those affected by this incident." ⚡️🇺🇸🇮🇷🇺🇳Iranian Ambassador to the UN Amir-Saeid Iravani wrote a letter to UN Secretary General Guterres and President of the Security Council Alrowaiei calling for them to swiftly and firmly condemn the U.S. seizure of the Touska and the detention of its crew. pic.twitter.com/3NbooQhxLy — War Monitor (@monitor11616) April 22, 2026 The Islamic Republic formally requested the letter be circulated as an official Security Council document.