Brussels: The European Union and the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf have issued a joint statement reaffirming the importance of freedom of navigation, specifically through the Strait of Hormuz. They emphasized that this right is guaranteed under international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and that vessels of all states are entitled to these rights without obstruction or conditions imposed by any state.
According to Union of OIC News Agencies, the statement condemned recent attacks carried out by Iran on commercial vessels transiting through the Strait of Hormuz, as well as attacks on the sovereign territories of countries in the region, including Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, and Jordan. These actions were described as violations of international law and UN Security Council Resolution 2817, endangering the lives of civilians and sailors.
The joint statement rejected any claims of sovereignty or control over the Strait of Hormuz by any state and opposed the imposition of permit systems, transit fees, or service charges on international shipping. It emphasized that no bilateral arrangements should unlawfully restrict the right of passage through international straits, a right that is guaranteed under international law.
The European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council expressed solidarity with the countries affected by these attacks and with the endangered seafarers. They called on Iran to cease all attacks and interference with maritime navigation immediately and to comply fully with international law and Security Council Resolution 2817.
The statement highlighted the commitment of both organizations to coordinate efforts to safeguard freedom of navigation and to support the protection of international shipping and seafarers. It reiterated their commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as means to resolve the crisis and ensure the safety of passage through the Strait of Hormuz.