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 through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical international waterway. They emphasized that this freedom, including the right of passage, is protected under international law as outlined by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. According to Union of OIC News Agencies, the statement strongly condemns Iran for its attacks on commercial vessels transiting the Strait and the sovereign territories of regional countries such as Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, and Jordan. These actions have endangered civilian lives and violated international law, including UN Security Council Resolution 2817. The statement rejects any claims of sovereignty or control over the Strait of Hormuz by any state, opposing any permit system or fees imposed on international shipping. It emphasizes that the right of passage through interna tional straits is guaranteed to all states under international law and cannot be subject to unilateral control. The European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council expressed solidarity with the affected countries and endangered seafarers. They called on Iran to cease all attacks and interference with maritime navigation, urging compliance with international law and Security Council resolutions. They also rejected any unilateral mechanisms affecting safe passage through the Strait. The statement highlighted the ongoing coordination between the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council to safeguard navigation freedom and promote peace and security in the region, in line with international law and the UN Charter. It concluded by emphasizing dialogue and diplomacy as essential for resolving the crisis and ensuring navigation freedom in the Strait of Hormuz.
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