Iran has called the U.S. sea operation an unlawful naval blockade. This unlawful naval blockade violates the United Nations Charter. The move also breaks a ceasefire announced on April 8.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei spoke on Sunday. He called the U.S. action a so-called blockade of Iran’s ports. The blockade began last week. It also violates a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire.
Baghaei cited two specific UN laws. He mentioned Article 2(4) of the UN Charter. That article prohibits the threat or use of force. He also cited UN General Assembly Resolution 3314 from 1974. Article 3(c) of that resolution explicitly includes port blockades as acts of aggression.
This unlawful naval blockade therefore amounts to a war crime. Baghaei added that it is a crime against humanity. The blockade deliberately inflicts collective punishment on the Iranian population. It bans essential trade between Iran and the rest of the world.
The United States announced this naval blockade last week. Washington failed to achieve its military objectives first. The U.S. and Israel launched a joint war against Iran in late February. That aggression lasted more than 40 days.
Iran had previously restricted the Strait of Hormuz. That waterway handles 20 percent of global oil demand. Tehran imposed those restrictions on hostile shipping. The move served as a strategic response to the war.
Iran briefly eased those restrictions on Friday. The government allowed non-hostile commercial ships to pass. Tehran wanted to negotiate a permanent end to the war. However, Iranian authorities reversed that decision a day later.
The restrictions returned on Saturday. Tehran cited the U.S. refusal to lift its blockade. The unlawful naval blockade therefore continues to disrupt maritime trade. Consequently, global energy markets remain on edge.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital chokepoint. Any disruption there fuels inflation worldwide. Oil prices have already risen due to the standoff. Many economists expect further price volatility.
Baghaei described the U.S. action as unprecedented. He said the blockade violates multiple international laws. The UN Security Council has not yet responded. Diplomatic channels however remain open.
Pakistan attempted to mediate the ceasefire. That effort began on April 8. The ceasefire aimed to halt US-Israeli aggression. Nevertheless, the naval blockade has undermined that progress.
Iranian authorities vow to maintain their restrictions. They will keep the Strait closed to hostile vessels. The US shows no sign of lifting its blockade. Both sides therefore remain locked in a dangerous standoff.
Industry experts warn of broader consequences. Global shipping insurance rates have climbed sharply. Many tanker operators now avoid the Persian Gulf. This trend could persist for months.
Next steps depend on diplomatic efforts. The UN may hold emergency consultations. Regional powers like Qatar and Oman could mediate. For now, the unlawful naval blockade remains firmly in place.