Tehran: Spokesperson for the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, Hassan Qashqavi, has emphasized that freedom of navigation should not compromise the security of coastal states, warning that such actions could be considered acts of war.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Qashqavi addressed Iran's missile responses to a US aircraft carrier and destroyer, highlighting that Iran's defensive strategies have evolved. He clarified that Tehran ensures transparent communication with both domestic and international audiences regarding its military actions. The key issue at hand is the Strait of Hormuz, where maritime conventions acknowledge both the freedom of navigation and the importance of respecting the national security and sovereignty of coastal nations.

Qashqavi criticized the United States and its allies for prioritizing freedom of navigation while neglecting Iran's security and sovereignty as a coastal state. He asserted that maintaining freedom of navigation should not come at the expense of a coastal state's security, warning that any blockade would be considered an act of war.

He noted Iran's recent attack on a US destroyer as a significant and unprecedented event with global implications. Both Iran and Oman have issued interpretive declarations reinforcing that maritime activities should not threaten the security of coastal states.

Addressing US attacks on civilians, Qashqavi stated these actions are deliberate, contrary to Washington's claims of precision strikes. He attributed these attacks to 'the satanic Zionist ideology' supported by American and European powers. He further commented on the US's state of 'absolute confusion' regarding the current geopolitical situation, suggesting that Washington's maneuvers to gain an edge before the mid-term elections in November could have adverse effects.