Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman has called on the international community to take decisive action to secure the release of vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla 2, condemning Israel’s interception of the ships as an act of “piracy” and “state terrorism”.

Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters has said it has postponed its response operation following the reported US seizure of an Iranian cargo vessel, citing concerns over the safety of the families of the ship’s crew.

Tehran confirmed early on Monday that US forces had seized an Iranian vessel and warned that it would retaliate “soon.”

A European Union naval force is moving to assist a ship hijacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia, amid a resurgence of piracy in the region.

Azerbaijan has sent a diplomatic note to Eritrea concerning the seizure of three ships and their crews, according to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.