AMERICANS RAID CHINESE VESSEL HEADED FOR IRAN
- Michael Thervil
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
Written by Michael Thervil
[Americans raids Chinese vessel Iran] American special forces conducted a naval raid in the Indian ocean on a Chinese vessel in which they carried “Dual-Use” contraband which could be used for both Iranian civilian applications and Iran's military missile programs. American spec-ops rappelled from helicopters onto the ship hundreds of miles off the coast of Sri Lanka and confiscated the dual-use products in question and allowed the ship to continue its course towards Iran. It was reported that the items seized in the raid have been destroyed. American intelligence agencies stated that the contraband that was seized was on its way to companies that are known to have ties with Iran's military apparatus.
This comes at a time as of last month Iran seized a western oil tanker that was illegally shipping six million liters of diesel fuel in the Gulf of Oman with its navigation systems turned off. This appeared to have raised a red flag for the Iranians and the 18 crew members on board were taken into custody. As of late, the Americans seized a Venezuelan oil tanker with a load that was allegedly being shipped to Iran. The seized vessel and its crew are being escorted to Port Houston at an undisclosed time. President Donald trump was quoted saying that America “we’ll keep it I guess”.
The legality of such actions taken by the Americans could be possibly justified by a few because of the establishment of what is known as “economic zones” within ocean waters. In contrast, many are calling the actions of the Americans “illegal” and accusing the Americans of “engaging in piracy”, there one thing that’s clear, the world will continue to see turbulence in the high seas. Not from the wind and waves they generate, but from man-made actors on quest for geopolitical power and control.
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While there is no concrete legally agreed upon terms when it comes to traveling in international waters, it appears that international law is on their side for two reasons. The first reason being that there are laws written for seizers of ships in international waters and the second lies in the fact that no country can enforce its laws beyond the 12 nautical miles (roughly 14 mi/22km) of its coastal borders. For their perspective, the seizure of the vessel in question constitutes not only an act of piracy, but outright theft. But Americans actions can result in blow back given the fact that since Chevron an American oil and gas company is operating in Venezuela, the risk runs high that Venezuela could in retaliation seizes the entire chevon oil facility at a moment’s notice.
If this happens it could send oil prices across the world to significantly increase. It should also be said that if the international community rules the actions of the Americans are not only hostile/aggressive in nature; this would severely degrade the credibility of the Americans diplomatically and cause yet another seismic shift in the way ocean navigation is conducted in international waters. If that occurs, then it can also be predicted that the world may witness the possible advent of "intercontinental destroyers" and other naval assets to escort oil tankers and other vessels traveling on the high seas.