Brussels, Belgium – In a firm diplomatic move, the High Representative of the European Union, Kaya Kallas, and the Presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council issued a joint statement on Saturday. The statement called for a permanent and sustainable guarantee of freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing their complete rejection of any restrictions or fees imposed by any party on this vital waterway.
Condemnation of Iranian attacks and denunciation of violations of international law
Both sides condemned in the strongest terms the attacks carried out by Iran against commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz and against the sovereign territories of countries in the region, including Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, and Jordan. The statement noted that these Iranian actions “endangered the lives of civilians and seafarers and violated international law and UN Security Council Resolution 2817.” The statement deemed these actions hostile acts that cannot be justified under any circumstances.
Affirmation of the legal rights of international navigation
The statement emphasized that freedom of navigation and the right of passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as an international waterway, are guaranteed under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Both sides affirmed that “ships of all states enjoy these rights, and no state may suspend, obstruct, or subject them to any conditions.” They also rejected any claims of sovereignty or unilateral control over the strait and deemed the imposition of permit systems or transit fees to be illegal.
Regional solidarity and the call for international compliance
The statement expressed “full solidarity with the countries affected by these attacks and with the seafarers of all nationalities who were endangered.”
Both sides stressed that any attack on the security of any country in the region is a matter of international concern given the importance of the waterway. The statement called on Iran to “immediately and unconditionally cease all attacks and forms of interference.” It also demanded that Iran fully comply with international law and relevant Security Council resolutions.
Diplomacy as the only way to resolve the crisis
The European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) rejected any unilateral arrangements that would affect maritime safety. Both sides emphasized the need to work within the framework of international institutions, particularly the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The statement concluded by affirming their commitment to “continued close coordination to safeguard freedom of navigation and protect international shipping.” It also called for “restraint” and adherence to dialogue and diplomacy as the only ways to resolve the crisis, stressing that this would guarantee the security and stability of the region, in accordance with the UN Charter.
