'Tanker attack violates UN Charter, international law'

US military says it destroyed 5 Iranian tankers Tuesday

Vessels pass through the Strait of Hormuz, seen from a beach near Bandar Abbas, Iran. (Reuters)
Vessels pass through the Strait of Hormuz, seen from a beach near Bandar Abbas, Iran. (Reuters)

Iran accused the US military of violating international law by attacking its oil tankers, and claimed it retaliated by striking a US military base and warships in Jordan.

According to Yonhap, Iran's Foreign Ministry said in a statement Wednesday (local time) that "the US terrorist military launched aggressive attacks targeting multiple Iranian oil tankers on Tuesday evening," calling the assault in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman region "a clear violation of the UN Charter and international law."

"The US military provocation against Iranian commercial vessels is a continuation of ongoing military aggression, a maritime blockade and an economic war against Iran," the statement said.

It added that the attack "dramatically escalates tensions in the region and directly threatens regional and international peace and security."

Iran said it then invoked its inherent "right to legitimate self-defense" under the UN Charter to carry out retaliatory operations.

It claimed it had "carried out defensive strikes against US military bases and facilities in Jordan that serve as a staging ground for military provocations against Iran, as well as against a number of aggressive American vessels."

The statement also warned that "Iran's resolve to defend its sovereignty and national interests against US aggression is unwavering."

It added, "We will never hesitate to exercise our legitimate right to self-defense against acts of military aggression, and will respond firmly and appropriately."

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Tuesday that it destroyed five Iranian oil tankers in response to an attack by Iran's Revolutionary Guard on US warships.

CENTCOM said the move was retaliation for two ballistic missile attacks Iran had launched against US warships over the past two days.


woo@heraldcorp.com