Iranian ports serving commercial purposes under international regulations: Ports organization

Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) says the country’s ports are merely serving “commercial” purposes and are acting within the framework of international regulations, rejecting allegations made by US to prepare the ground for an act of aggression. 

The organization, in a statement released on Thursday, said Iranian maritime and port officials are serving the nation round-the-clock to ensure national food security and to make sure that basic commodities are supplied properly and smoothly.

“These efforts are ongoing at the same time that all protective and security measures are fully observed,” the statement read.

The PMO further noted that activities in Iranian commercial ports are aimed at facilitating maritime transportation, and provision of the public necessities of Iranians, stressing that loading and offloading operations are in progress at the country’s ports in accordance with the international shipping and commercial rules and regulations.

On Wednesday, the spokesman of Iran’s Armed Forces warned that all ports and economic centers in Persian Gulf littoral states will be considered legitimate targets for Iran if the United States attacks Iranian ports as part of the ongoing joint aggression with Israel against the country.

“If the US follows through with its threat against Iran’s ports, there will definitely be no port, economic center, or location in the Persian Gulf that could remain beyond our reach, and they will be struck as legitimate targets,” Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi said.

‘All ports in Persian Gulf will be legitimate targets if Iranian ports are attacked’

Iran warns all ports in Persian Gulf states will be legitimate targets if its ports are attacked.

Shekarchi emphasized that Iran has exercised restraint since the start of the US-Israeli aggression on February 28 by limiting its attacks to US military bases and assets in the region.

However, the general warned that attacks will expand to cover all locations in Persian Gulf countries if the US attacks key infrastructure in southern Iran.

The warning comes in response to US threats of attacking Iranian oil production facilities, as Washington faces growing pressure over rising international energy and commodity prices caused by the escalating war in the Persian Gulf.

Shekarchi also dismissed claims by the US military that its operations had caused Iranian naval vessels to be trapped in docks and economic ports in southern Iran.

“We consider this news one hundred percent wrong, and it is a lie... The (Iranian) Armed Forces are standing powerfully, and if necessary, we will carry out operations heavier than those we have carried out so far,” he added.

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