“The damage appears to be pretty insignificant. “
The damage may be that insurance companies refuse to issue coverage. I doubt any ship would sail without insurance.
“The crew was initially rescued by a South Korea merchant ship but were transferred to an Iranian craft by request.”
I can picture in my mind the “request” at the end of a gun barrel. Iranian Moolahs love having hostages.
These commercial ship owners need to whine and complain to the country where their ships are registered. They enjoy the lax rule enforcement and benefit from having crews from poor countries. Now let them understand there is risk in going to these countries with a flag of convenience. Panama, Liberia, Marshall Island, ect. The countries with flags of convenience should be held accountable. They benefit from all the fees charged to the ship owners, now let them provide the protection for those ships.
The Marshall Islands signed a Compact of Free Association with the United States and is now considered a sovereign nation. In the 1980s they wanted freedom from the US. Now let them stand up on their own and protect the ships they have been registering.
It is a shame that the US navy will protect ships from other countries, yet the US does nothing for it's own maritime industry.
I'm sick and tired of the US merchant marine being treated as a red headed step child that is only needed in time of war. And then it's an after thought.
Yo Rinny! You passed p another one....seems pretty clear I have you pegged right.