Iran Seizes Tanker: Because Other Countries Have Borders Too
Bloomberg's headline screams 'Iran Seizes Tanker in Gulf of Oman Suspected of Smuggling,' citing Fars news. A foreign vessel, allegedly smuggling fuel, taken by a sovereign nation in its own backyard (or very near to it). The outrage is palpable, the implications for 'international shipping' dire. Yet, where was this media concern when the US naval presence, a foreign entity itself, was
unilaterally sanctioning and seizing Iranian oil tankers, often in international waters, on grounds that would make a pirate blush? One might wonder if 'smuggling' becomes a legitimate concern only when it doesn't serve Western interests. This selective indignation ignores that the Gulf of Oman is not Washington's private lake. Or are these supposed 'rules-based order' principles only applicable
when the US isn't the one breaking them for profit and geopolitical leverage? (Hint: They are.)