Brussels: The European Union and the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf have issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. This assurance comes amid heightened tensions following recent attacks on commercial vessels in the strait, which is a critical passageway for global maritime traffic.

According to Union of OIC News Agencies, the statement strongly condemns the attacks allegedly carried out by Iran against commercial ships traversing the Strait of Hormuz. These incidents have also impacted the sovereign territories of several regional countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, and Jordan. These actions have not only endangered civilian lives but also stand as violations of international law and UN Security Council Resolution 2817.

The joint statement rejects any claims of sovereignty or control over the Strait of Hormuz by any state and opposes the imposition of unauthorized permit systems, transit fees, or service charges on international shipping. The European Union and Gulf Cooperation Council emphasize that the right of passage through international straits is a fundamental principle protected under international law and cannot be unilaterally regulated by any state.

Expressing solidarity with the affected countries and endangered seafarers, the statement calls on Iran to cease all forms of interference with maritime navigation immediately. It urges the country to keep the Strait of Hormuz open without conditions and to comply fully with international laws and Security Council resolutions.

The European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council have committed to closely coordinating efforts to safeguard freedom of navigation and ensure the security of international shipping and seafarers. The statement highlights the importance of dialogue and diplomacy as the means to resolve the ongoing crisis and uphold peaceful navigation in the region.