Nournews: The official said Iran is closely monitoring the commercial and maritime network supporting U.S. military operations in the region and is continuously collecting and verifying information on companies involved in the logistical supply chain.
The official pointed to U.S. government documents indicating that the Military Sealift Command relies on commercial vessels and private companies to transport fuel, ammunition, equipment, food and other supplies for U.S. forces.
“This network cannot be viewed simply as commercial activity,” the official said, arguing that a significant portion of U.S. military capabilities in the region depends on the commercial logistics chain.
According to the official, Iran’s assessment will be based not on a company’s nationality or a vessel’s flag, but on its actual role in supporting military operations.
Any company, vessel owner, operator, ship manager, maritime services provider or commercial intermediary that knowingly participates—directly or through subcontracting arrangements—in transporting fuel, ammunition, equipment, personnel, food or other essential supplies for U.S. military operations against Iran could be designated as a logistical supporter of those operations and face measures under Iran’s legal, economic and sanctions frameworks.
The official warned that registering a company in a third country, using commercial intermediaries or operating as a private shipping company would not prevent Iran from identifying its role in the military supply chain.
“Companies, vessel owners, operators and port and logistics service providers cannot, during a war, portray themselves solely as commercial actors when they are aware of the military nature of a mission,” the official said.
The official also said that companies knowingly supporting what Iran describes as the military operations against the Islamic Republic could be identified through ongoing monitoring by Iran’s armed forces and face “punitive and deterrent measures” proportionate to their involvement.
The official named Maersk, Schuyler Line Navigation, Crowley Government Services, Overseas Shipholding Group, Seabulk Tankers and Patriot Contract Services among companies whose contracts, missions or logistical capabilities are being examined.
The official also said information is being collected and cross-checked regarding vessels including SLNC Corsica, SLNC Goodwill, SL Hawaii, SLNC Severn, Liberty Power, TORM Timothy, Overseas Mykonos, Stena Polaris, SLNC Pax, Stena Impeccable, Stena Imperative, TORM Thor, TORM Thunder and Maersk Peary.
The official stressed, however, that the inclusion of these companies and vessels does not mean that all have been assigned the same level of responsibility. Their individual roles will be determined after the relevant evidence has been fully reviewed.
The investigation, the official said, includes contracts, missions, shipping routes, cargo types, vessel ownership and management, and links to the U.S. military logistics structure.
“This process is not limited to a few companies or vessels,” the official said. “Any new case in which a connection to logistical support for U.S. military operations against Iran is established will be added to the investigation.”
The official concluded with a warning: “War does not impose costs only on the battlefield. Those who knowingly provide the commercial and logistical infrastructure for military operations against Iran cannot expect their role to remain hidden from Iran.”
Iran, the official added, will continue to monitor the network and collect, verify and update relevant information. Where effective involvement in supporting military operations against Iran is established, the cases will be addressed through Iran’s available legal, economic and sanctions mechanisms.
NOURNEWS