Brussels: The European Union and the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf have jointly condemned recent Iranian attacks on commercial vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that these actions violate international law and jeopardize regional stability. The statement emphasized the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation in this critical waterway, as enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
According to Union of OIC News Agencies, the joint statement from the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council highlights the severity of Iran's actions, which not only endangered civilians and sailors but also breached United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817. The statement categorically rejects any claims of sovereignty or control over the Strait by any single state and opposes the imposition of permits, transit fees, or service charges on international shipping through this international passage.
The European Union and Gulf states expressed unwavering solidarity with the countries affected by these attacks, including Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, and Jordan. They emphasized that any attack on the safety and security of a nation impacts all parties reliant on the Strait of Hormuz for safe passage.
Furthermore, the joint statement calls on Iran to cease all hostile activities immediately and unconditionally, urging the country to comply with international law and relevant UN resolutions. The European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council advocate for the removal of any unilateral restrictions that hinder free passage and endorse reliance on international bodies like the International Maritime Organization for governance and security.
The European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council reiterated their commitment to collaborative efforts aimed at safeguarding freedom of navigation and ensuring maritime security. They also called for ongoing diplomatic dialogue and restraint as essential tools for resolving tensions and promoting peace in the region.