Iran Submits Legal Document to IMO Denying ‘Blocking the Strait of Hormuz’ Accusations

BlockBeats News, April 13th, according to CCTV News, on April 13th local time, Iran submitted a legal document at the meeting of the Legal Committee of the International Maritime Organization, expressing its position based on the results of the previous Council special session.

The Iranian side denied the claim of "blocking the Strait of Hormuz" and pointed out that the root cause of the current deterioration of maritime security in the Persian Gulf is external military actions. At the same time, it emphasized that any proposed "secure maritime passage" arrangement must have Iran's consent. Regarding the Strait of Hormuz passage issue of concern to the outside world, Iran clearly stated in the document that the strait remains open to international navigation, but due to the current deteriorating security environment, the associated risks have significantly increased.

Regarding some countries' proposal to establish a "secure maritime passage," Iran emphasized that as a coastal country of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran lawfully possesses the right to ensure the safety and management of navigation in the relevant maritime areas. Any shipping arrangement must be fully coordinated with and approved by the relevant Iranian authorities, otherwise, it would constitute interference with the coastal state's jurisdiction.