Iran knows how to confront restrictions, stand up to bullying: Araghchi

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 22 April 2026 5:46 AM

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Iran knows well how to confront restrictions and defend itself, following the US seizure of an Iranian commercial vessel in the Sea of Oman.

In a post on his X account on Tuesday, Araghchi said that the blockade of Iranian ports is an act of war and therefore a violation of the ceasefire.

“Attacking a commercial vessel and taking its crew hostage is an even greater violation,” he added.

He reiterated that the country “knows very well how to confront restrictions, how to defend its interests, and how to stand up against bullying.”

His remarks came after the United States carried out an attack on an Iranian merchant vessel in the waters of the Sea of Oman, deploying its forces onto the ship’s deck and disabling its navigation systems in a blatant act of piracy in international waters.

In an immediate response, Iranian forces struck back, targeting several American military vessels in the area with drone attacks.

According to Iran’s military, the armed forces of the Islamic Republic were ready to deal decisively with the American aggressor forces.

However, due to the presence of several family members of the ship’s crew — whose lives and safety were at constant risk — they exercised restraint, it said.

It added that as soon as the safety of the families and crew of the vessel was assured, Iran’s powerful armed forces would take the necessary action against the American forces.

On Tuesday, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned the US aggression against the Iranian commercial vessel and the taking of its crew and their families as hostage, warning of “very dangerous consequences.”