Iran Blames US, Israel for "Unlawful" Actions in Strategic Strait of Hormuz

Iran's ambassador to Britain has accused the United States and Israel of "unlawful and irresponsible" actions heightening tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Seyyed Ali Mousavi warned Tehran would use all military capabilities to defend its sovereignty in response to perceived threats. He called on international bodies like the IMO to take a stand against these violations of maritime security. In response, IMO President Arsenio Dominguez acknowledged Iran's role and stressed the importance of sailor safety and free shipping.

Key Points: Iran Blames US, Israel for Strait of Hormuz Tensions

  • Iran condemns US/Israel actions
  • Warns of military self-defence
  • Highlights threats to ports
  • Calls for international community stand
  • IMO stresses sailor safety
2 min read

"Unlawful and irresponsible": Iranian envoy blames US, Israel for Strait of Hormuz tensions

Iranian envoy condemns US and Israel, warns of using military capabilities to defend sovereignty in the vital Strait of Hormuz waterway.

"unlawful and irresponsible actions - Seyyed Ali Mousavi"

London, March 14

Iran's Ambassador to Britain and permanent representative to the International Maritime Organisation, Seyyed Ali Mousavi, has condemned the "unlawful and irresponsible" actions of the United States and Israel in the Strait of Hormuz, according to state broadcaster Press TV.

During a meeting with IMO President Arsenio Dominguez in London on Friday, Mousavi attributed the heightening tensions within the strategic waterway to repeated acts of aggression.

The Iranian diplomat asserted that the Islamic Republic is acting in self-defence under the United Nations Charter and within the framework of its inherent right. He further warned that Tehran will utilise all its military capabilities to defend its sovereignty, security, and national interests.

According to the Press TV report, Mousavi specifically highlighted threats made by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) against Iranian ports and maritime installations. He described such intimidations as being in line with flagrant and recurrent violations of international law.

He noted that these violations are currently occurring across the sectors of shipping, port infrastructure, and non-military sea facilities.

"Not only are such threats in violation of the fundamentals of international law and established rules concerning maritime security, they can also have adverse results on international shipping and regional stability," Mousavi stated.

As per the state broadcaster, the Ambassador appealed to the global community and international bodies, particularly the IMO, to take a stand against these violations. He urged an end to the authorisation and continuation of such moves to stop the escalation of maritime insecurity.

In response, the IMO President acknowledged Iran's significant role within the organisation and the global shipping industry, stressing the importance of protecting the safety of sailors and maintaining free shipping.

Regarding the ongoing tensions, Press TV reported that Dominguez noted that all countries reserve the right to act in self-defence. He emphasised the necessity of securing international maritime routes and preventing potential threats to the lives of seafarers.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
Interesting to see Iran using the UN Charter framework to justify its actions. The US and Israel do have a history of aggressive posturing in the region. However, Iran's own actions with its proxies can't be ignored. The IMO's focus should purely be on keeping sea lanes safe for all.
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Vikram M
As an Indian, my primary concern is the safety of our sailors and the security of our shipping. We have a huge diaspora working on tankers and cargo ships in that region. Both sides need to step back. Another war in the Middle East is the last thing the world needs right now. 🙏
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Rohit P
The US always talks about rules-based order, but its actions in the Strait often seem to contradict that. Threatening non-military ports is unacceptable. At the same time, Iran's rhetoric about using "all military capabilities" is equally dangerous. Hope our MEA is closely monitoring this.
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Priya S
Respectfully, I think the Iranian envoy's statement is one-sided. It conveniently ignores the attacks on commercial vessels linked to Israel that have happened. Self-defence is a right, but it shouldn't be a blanket excuse for escalating tensions in such a vital waterway. The IMO President's balanced response was good.
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Michael C
The geopolitics of oil is at play here. India has maintained a delicate balance with both Iran and the US. Our foreign policy should actively push for de-escalation through forums like the IMO. A stable Hormuz is in our national interest.

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