Iran Warns US After Attack on “Tosca” Ship, Detention of Crew

The Iranian Foreign Ministry condemned the American attack on an Iranian commercial vessel and the detention of its crew and their families as hostages, warning of the extremely serious consequences of this illegal and criminal American act, and stressing the need for the immediate release of the Iranian ship, its sailors, crew, and their families.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry said in a statement, according to the Iranian news agency Tasnim, on Tuesday: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran condemns in the strongest terms the illegal and brutal act committed by the terrorist American military in attacking the Iranian commercial vessel ‘Tosca,’ which occurred on the evening of Sunday, April 19, 2026, near the Iranian coast in the Sea of Oman.”

The statement emphasized that “this act, coupled with the intimidation of the sailors, crew, and their families, constitutes maritime piracy and an act of terrorism. It not only violates the fundamental principles and rules of the UN Charter and international law, but also represents yet another blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement of April 8, 2016, and is considered an act of aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

The statement continued: “The Islamic Republic of Iran has brought this matter to the attention of the UN Secretary-General, the members of the Security Council, and the International Maritime Organization. It calls for the condemnation of this criminal act perpetrated by the United States against international commercial shipping and for a firm and decisive response from international institutions and responsible governments.”

The statement added: “While warning of the grave consequences of this illegal and criminal act committed by the United States, the Islamic Republic of Iran stresses the necessity of the immediate release of the Iranian vessel, its sailors, crew, and their families.” The Iranian Foreign Ministry concluded its statement by saying: “The Islamic Republic of Iran will undoubtedly utilize all its capabilities to defend Iran’s national interests and security, and to protect the rights and dignity of the Iranian people.” It is obvious that America bears full responsibility for the deteriorating situation in the region.

It is worth noting that on Sunday evening, the US military attacked the container ship Tosca and took its crew hostage.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei described this American action as a violation of the ceasefire between Iran and the United States.