The Iranian government issued a statement demanding that the United States immediately release the Iranian cargo ship along with its crew and families after the U.S. Navy seized it at sea, describing the act as dangerous and criminal.
Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a Tuesday statement that it called on the United States to immediately release the Iranian cargo ship "Touska" along with its crew and families, condemning the seizure as a serious violation of Iran's rights and reaffirming that the government will use all available means to protect the nation's interests, security, and the dignity of its people.
Iranian authorities also clearly stated they will respond to this incident and warned that regional tensions may escalate, placing full responsibility for any deterioration of the situation in the region on the United States.
Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that the U.S. Navy fired warning shots and seized the ship "Touska" on Sunday after it attempted to breach a naval blockade in the Gulf of Oman.
The military also released video footage showing a destroyer armed and leading the interception, followed by U.S. Marines descending from a helicopter onto the ship's deck to take control of the situation.
So far, the number of crew members aboard the Touska and their nationalities remain unconfirmed, while media inquiries to the U.S. Central Command for further information have yet to receive an official response.
. Source:CNN
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