International Shipping Body Condemns Retaliatory Ship Seizures by US and Iran

Kathmandu. The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), a major international shipping organization, has strongly condemned the retaliatory seizure of commercial ships between the United States and Iran. The organization has demanded that both countries immediately release the ship crews.

Stating that maritime workers should be allowed to conduct their business freely without any fear or interference, John Stupart, Maritime Director of the ICA, told Al Jazeera that this incident is a violation of the freedom of navigation in international law.

He says that merchant ships only transport commercial goods, but it is unacceptable to seize them for political purposes. "These are innocent sailors, they should be allowed to do their work without fear," he said. He also stated that Iran's desire to charge fees to ships using the Strait of Hormuz has no basis in international law. He says this sets a dangerous precedent. He questioned why fees should be charged in Hormuz but not in Gibraltar or Malacca.

Iran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz. In such a situation, US President Donald Trump's blockade on Iranian ports has brought further uncertainty to shipping companies.

He also stated that he does not know the current situation and which ships Iran is targeting.