EU and Gulf States Condemn Iran’s Strait of Hormuz Attacks

The European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council issued a joint statement denouncing Iran’s attacks on commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz and on sovereign territories of regional states, including Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman and Jordan. The statement called the attacks unjustifiable, a violation of international law and United Nations Security Council resolution 2817, and warned they endanger civilian lives and maritime security.

The parties demanded an immediate, unconditional cessation of all Iranian actions against shipping and affirmed the right of free navigation through the strait under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. They rejected any claim of sovereignty or control over the waterway and opposed any system of permits or tolls. The statement urged continued coordination, support for the International Maritime Organization and diplomatic dialogue to preserve safe maritime traffic in this vital global trade route.