Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Iran Warns Against US 'Piracy'

VOA News

   Iran iswarningthe United Statesagainstthreateningitstankerscarrying
   fuel to Venezuela,wheregasoline and oil are indesperatelyshort supply
   despite Venezuelabeinga major oil production center.

   As many as fiveIranianshipsloadedwith gasolinearebelieved tobeon their
   way to theSouthAmericancountry.

   U.S.sanctionsforbid Iran from selling oil and the U.S. is
   alsopressuringallcountriesagainstsupplyingfueltoVenezuela, as part
   ofWashington'sefforts to drivePresidentNicolasMadurofrom power.

   IranianForeign MinisterJavadZarifwrote a letter Sunday to
   UnitedNationsSecretary-General Antonio Guterres about Tehran's
   concernsoverwhatever action the U.S. might take.

   Iran "reserves its right to take all appropriate and necessary measures
   and decisive action...to secure its legitimate rights and interests
   against such bullying policies and unlawful practices,"
   Zarifwrote."This hegemonic gunboat diplomacyseriouslythreatens freedom
   of international commerce and navigation and the free flow of energy.

   Zarif said Iranwouldconsider any "coercive measures" by the U.S. as
   a"dangerousescalation."

   Iranian officials delivered a similar message to the Swiss ambassador
   in Tehran who handles all U.S. interests in Iran.

.