Iran Condemns ‘israel’s’ Seizure of Gaza Flotilla as ‘Criminal Act and Piracy’

The attack represents a “very significant and horrifying” development currently observed by the international community, spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stated during a press conference on Monday.

He stated that the assault on the ship is unequivocally regarded as an act of piracy under international law. However, given its intention to obstruct aid to those experiencing genocide, it also amounts to a criminal offense.

Following an incident involving Israeli forces, the vessel Madleen was targeted by warships as it neared the coastal waters of the besieged Palestinian territory.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition reported via the Telegram messaging app that it had lost connection with the vessel ‘Madleen’ after the Israeli army boarded it. The coalition further alleged that the troops had taken passengers from the ship.

Today, a video emerged featuring a Swedish woman, a passenger on the ship, appealing to the global community to intervene and stop the detention of those aboard. This statement, noted by Baghaei, referenced remarks previously made by prominent Swedish activist Greta Thunberg before the vessel’s interception.

The official emphasized the significance of international organizations, particularly the United Nations Security Council, in taking swift measures to lift the blockade on Gaza and avert a humanitarian crisis, especially to protect women and children from potential atrocities.

The incident occurred during the ongoing conflict initiated by the Israeli regime against Gaza since October 2023, which has resulted in the deaths of nearly 54,900 Palestinians, the majority being women and children.

The regime has intensified its war efforts by tightening its 18-year-old siege on Gaza. This heightened blockade is severely restricting the entry of aid into the impoverished region.

In May, Israeli drones launched an attack on a vessel of a similar nature that was boarded by Thunberg and others near Mata’s coastline.

The recent attack underscores the regime’s readiness to use armed aggression to block critical relief supplies for Gaza’s Palestinians, echoing the 2010 deadly assault on a Turkish-flagged aid vessel bound for Gaza.

“The United States’ proposal has undermined the integrity of the negotiation process,” according to recent statements from critical observers.

In other parts of the statement, the spokesperson dismissed a proposal sent through Oman to Iran by the United States for consideration within the ongoing Muscat-mediated discussions between the two nations, which have been ongoing since April.

He was discussing the details of a proposal delivered by the Omani foreign minister to the Iranian official late last month.

According to a recent report by Axios, a proposal has surfaced which outlines significant conditions for the Islamic Republic. Key points reportedly include a “three-percent” limit on the nation’s nuclear enrichment activities, a reduction in nuclear infrastructure, a retrenchment of developmental pursuits, “conditioned sanction relief,” and the establishment of a proposed “regional consortium” designated to house enrichment operations.

Iran has categorically dismissed any possibility of permitting interference in its peaceful nuclear program, rejecting external pressures to cease its uranium enrichment activities domestically. The nation has also called for the comprehensive and significant lifting of US-imposed sanctions.

Baghaei stated that the United States’ proposal remains just that—the US’s proposal. He emphasized that while any negotiating party is entitled to put forward suggestions, this particular proposal fails to address any of the concerns raised by Iran.

Iran has made a significant demand for the lifting of sanctions, emphasizing the importance of this action in ongoing diplomatic efforts.

An official indicated that the Islamic Republic is advancing a proposal that is “nearing finalization,” characterizing it as “reasonable.”

Officials have advised Americans to seize this opportunity.

Baghae has emphasized that the Islamic Republic considers the lifting of the sanctions as an imperative requirement.

The issue has been highlighted emphatically on several occasions. Iran’s primary demand remains the comprehensive lifting of sanctions. There is ongoing inquiry into why this matter has not been adequately tackled in the U.S. proposal.