The Islamic Republic of Iran's delegation responded to the claims made by representatives of the United States and the Israeli regime regarding maritime security at the 138th session of the IMO Council in London on Wednesday. The Iranian representative described the statements as "unfounded and politically motivated."
Rejection of U.S. Claims About Maritime Security
The representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran stated: "The Islamic Republic of Iran firmly rejects the unfounded and politically motivated claims made about maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz." He further referred to the illegal blockade of Iran's ports by the U.S. regime and added: "The U.S. regime cannot claim to defend freedom of navigation while continuing the illegal maritime blockade of Iran's ports."
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These statements came in the wake of widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure and the loss of innocent lives due to U.S. and Israeli military attacks. The representative of our country also referred to the ceasefire agreement and criticized the continued violation of U.S. commitments in this regard.
Emphasis on Yemen's Independence and Response to Related Claims
In another part of its response, the Islamic Republic of Iran's delegation rejected attempts to link the actions of Yemeni forces with Iran and emphasized that Yemen is an independent country with sovereignty. The Iranian representative added: "Those responsible for aggression and civilian casualties cannot transfer their responsibility for their actions to Iran."
These reactions were made after the Islamic Republic of Iran's delegation presented two official documents regarding the U.S. maritime blockade against Iran's ports and the consequences of U.S. and Israeli military aggression within the framework of agenda item 11 of the IMO Council. Our representative announced that since the beginning of military aggression on February 28, 2025, Iran's maritime infrastructure and commercial vessels have suffered extensive damage.
The Islamic Republic of Iran's delegation emphasized that protecting vital shipping lines is not possible without addressing the maritime blockade of Iran's ports and the destruction of civilian infrastructure essential for maritime safety. The Iranian representative urged council members to carefully review the submitted documents, especially the recorded images of the destruction of our maritime infrastructure.
Iran's Request from the IMO Council
Our delegation at the IMO warned that silence in the face of aggression and support for aggressors could embolden them to carry out further attacks and exacerbate the destruction of infrastructure on which international maritime safety depends. Iran has also called on the IMO Council to condemn the U.S. maritime blockade against our ports and demand its immediate lifting.
Our officials have previously emphasized that the root of the current crisis in the Strait of Hormuz is the military aggression of the U.S. and Israel and the continuation of Washington's illegal maritime blockade. The return of sustainable security to this international waterway requires an end to aggressive actions and the fulfillment of commitments by the other party.
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