https://www.algemeiner.com/2022/05/27/iran-summons-swiss-envoy-over-us-seizure-of-iranian-oil-medi
The Islamic Republic of Iran is calling for the immediate release of one of their oil vessels after an episode that took place off the coast of Greece. Iran claims that this oil tanker, notably transporting Russian oil, moved to safety nearer the coast of Greece after being riddled with mechanical issues and storms. While in Greek waters the vessel was seized, as was the oil on board. The Iranian government is calling this a clear example of piracy by the United States as there are multiple corroborating reports that the oil will be transported on vessels to the United States. I analyze this to be a showing of strength and commitment to their engagements by the United States in a time of strife in Europe, as a lack of discipline in exerting their own policy would seem terribly weak to other adversaries who would choose to push the line, as well as less encouraging to allies. I also seem to think the US saw this as a near ¨two for one¨ and also easily ambiguous so as to have reasons to avoid a row with both countries, as they have sanctions against both, leaving it unclear if it was motivated as a seizing of the ship, or its oil. To relate this back to international relations, Iran is calling foul play on this situation as a violation of international maritime law, highlighting something similar occuring in the South China Sea. International maritime law is extremely arbitrary, and can be enforced on smaller countries all the time, while powers can disregard it. Not to say that the US is in any way, but the point stands to already be known by Iran when they claim that the US is. Laws are only real when there are guns behind them, and inversely, laws are also not real when the hypothetical breaker has their own.