Brussels: The European Union and the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf have issued a joint statement emphasizing the importance of freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for international maritime traffic. They underscored that this right is protected under international law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and affirmed that no state has the authority to obstruct or impose conditions on the passage of vessels.
According to Union of OIC News Agencies, the joint statement strongly condemns recent attacks by Iran on commercial vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz and on the sovereign territories of countries in the region, including Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, and Jordan. These actions are described as violations of international law and UN Security Council Resolution 2817, posing significant risks to civilian lives and sailors.
The statement firmly rejects any claims of sovereignty or control over the Strait of Hormuz and opposes any measures that would impose transit fees, permit systems, or service charges on international shipping. It stresses that the right of passage through the strait is guaranteed to all states under international law and should not be subject to control by any single state.
The European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council expressed solidarity with the countries and seafarers affected by these attacks, highlighting the broader implications for the safety of this vital waterway. They called on Iran to cease all attacks and interference with maritime navigation and to comply fully with international law and relevant UN resolutions.
Furthermore, the statement rejects any unilateral mechanisms that affect the safety of passage through the Strait and calls for collaborative efforts within international and regional institutions, particularly the International Maritime Organization, to ensure the security of maritime navigation.
The European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council pledged continued coordination to safeguard navigation freedom, protect international shipping, and promote peace and security in the region. They reiterated their commitment to resolving the crisis through dialogue and diplomacy to maintain the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.