Brussels: The European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council have jointly issued a strong statement reaffirming the importance of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. They emphasized that the right of passage through this crucial international waterway is guaranteed under international law, as enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. This assurance applies to ships from all nations and cannot be hindered or conditioned by any single State. According to European Union, the statement condemned recent attacks by Iran on commercial vessels traversing the Strait of Hormuz. These actions have endangered civilian lives and violated international law, including United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817. The attacks have also targeted the sovereign territories of regional States such as Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, and Jordan, prompting widespread concern and condemnation. The statement further rejected any claims of sovereignty or control over the Strait of Hormuz by individual States. It opposed any attempts to impose permits, tolls, or fees on international shipping passing through the strait. The European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council emphasized that the right of passage through the strait is a universal entitlement under international law and should not be subjected to unilateral control or conditions. Expressing solidarity with the affected States and seafarers endangered by these events, the joint statement underscored the shared responsibility for the security of this vital maritime route. The European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council have called on Iran to immediately cease all attacks and to refrain from interfering with maritime navigation in the strait. They urged Iran to maintain the openness of the Strait of Hormuz without imposing conditions or fees and to adhere to international law and Security Council resolutions. The statement also highlighted the commitment of the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council to co ordinate efforts to uphold navigation freedom and protect international shipping and seafarers. They expressed their dedication to promoting peace and security in the region, consistent with international law and the United Nations Charter. Finally, the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council called for restraint and reiterated their commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as the primary means of resolving the crisis and ensuring the continued freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
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