UN Agency Rejects Iran's Claims to Strait of Hormuz

The Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) called on states not to recognize Iran's efforts to assert sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz or its unilateral decision to establish a body to control shipping in this strategic area.

The decision came after a further escalation of the conflict between the United States and Iran, which this week included US airstrikes following attacks on ships that Washington blamed on Tehran.

The 40-member IMO Council, which oversees the safety of international maritime transport, "strongly condemned" Iran's decision to establish a body to control shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

It also called on member states not to recognize Iran's claims to sovereignty over the strait or any decisions aimed at closing, restricting or disrupting international navigation and the right of transit.

In June, Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority announced that no vessel may pass through the strait without a permit issued by that body.

Tehran, which is not a member of the IMO Council, rejected the accusations as selective, politically motivated and legally unfounded. It claims that the measures taken are intended to ensure the safety of maritime transport, protect its sovereignty and vital interests, and do not constitute a closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

(Reuters, bak)