Good article, but gets one thing wrong.  The article is about piracy, and armed contractors having a great record against such (i.e., Somali pirates).  But the article neglects to include the two acts by Iran against ships in the past several days as piracy–state-sponsored piracy.  That is what it is as defined by international relations and international law.  “Why was a British security guard on the ship Iran attacked? – analysis,” Michael Starr, August 7, 2021.

“Iranian Kurdish party accuses Iran of killing senior official in Iraq,” AFP, August 7, 2021.

“Iran believes it has Israel on the run,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, August 7, 2021.  “Iran is coordinating with Hezbollah, Hamas to target Israel after drone attack on tanker off Oman.”

Keep in mind two things, consistent with these events go down at other times, also.  First, Iran never/rarely addresses the facts/evidence of an attack.  It just gives a blanket denial.  Second, Iran’s idea of “security” is not what you and I assume when we think of peace for a region/several countries—Iran thinks of “security” as what is good for the Regime, so “security” can actually for the IRI be instability and terror for others.  Yes, this is a twisted use of the word.  “Iran denies role in tanker attack, says seeks Gulf security,” WHBL, August 7, 2021.

“Iranian Kurdish party accuses Iran of killing senior official in Iraq,” AFP, August 7, 2021.

“Iran believes it has Israel on the run,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, August 7, 2021.

According to the Oil Minister.  “Zanganeh Says Iran Lost 120 Billion I Oil Exports To US Sanctions,” Iran International, August 7, 2021.

“Iran rejects ‘baseless’ G7 accusations over ship attack,” AFP, August 7, 2021.