Iran Seizes Ship, US Suddenly Remembers International Law
Al-Monitor reports Iran is 'accused' of seizing a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker. The outrage machine activated immediately, demanding 'freedom of navigation.' Interestingly, this passion for international maritime law seems selective. Where was this indignation when the US seized Iranian oil tankers —laden with oil, no less—in previous years, rerouting them to US ports under dubious
'terrorism' pretexts? This isn't about law; it's about whose ship is whose. One might wonder if the US's sudden concern for global shipping lanes would extend to, say, open humanitarian access to Gaza, where flotillas are routinely intercepted and blockaded, even when carrying aid. Apparently, only certain blockades violate international norms, and only certain vessels warrant immediate
condemnation. The hypocrisy could power a small nation. (Source: Al-Monitor, Justice.gov, UN)