Iran has officially protested in a letter to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), claiming that U.S. military forces have misused VHF Channel 16 and turned it into a tool for military intimidation and psychological pressure on the crews of civilian ships. This action is part of Iran's efforts to exert pressure on the United States to reduce the maritime blockade on Iranian ships and ports.
Content of Iran's Letter to IMO
In this letter, sent at the end of last week, Iran has expressed serious concerns regarding maritime security, emergency communications, and the safety of sailors in the Persian Gulf. In the letter, Iran's ambassador and permanent representative to the IMO stated that the Iranian government has instructed them to convey their serious concerns to this organization. Iran claims to have received reports from commercial ships, shipping companies, and maritime operators indicating that VHF Channel 16 is being improperly used by the U.S. military.
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Consequences of Misuse of Maritime Security Channel
In its letter to the IMO, Iran writes: "Iranian sailors have been threatened and insulted in Persian, and in some cases, have been encouraged to abandon their ships. Such behaviors have disrupted the availability of this essential maritime safety channel and have placed serious psychological pressure on civilian crews." Iran has also emphasized that the misuse of this channel, which is designed for emergency communications and safety, is contrary to SOLAS regulations and that the United States is obstructing effective duties in emergency and safety situations.
U.S. Actions and Iran's Response
While Iran has pointed out these issues, it has not mentioned attacks carried out by itself. According to IMO estimates, Iran has conducted 15 attacks in October. These attacks have created the safety situations that Iran refers to. Additionally, Iran has requested that the IMO take necessary action and distribute the letter to all member countries.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has reported that its forces have resumed their maritime blockade against all ships entering and leaving Iranian ports since July 14. According to them, in the past three months, four commercial ships have been rendered inoperative and 135 ships have turned back due to strict enforcement of regulations.
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