Ambassadors Statement at Stakeout: Maritime Security
The following is the statement delivered by H.E. Mr. Amir Saeid Iravani Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations:
Statement by
H.E. Mr. Amir Saeid Iravani
Ambassador and Permanent Representative
of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations
Before the UNSC Stakeout
27 April 2026, New York
In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
Good afternoon.
As you are aware, the Security Council is currently holding an open debate on the safety and protection of waterways. I have just delivered my statement. In my address at the meeting, I emphasised the following points:
Iran has consistently upheld maritime security and freedom of navigation in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Gulf of Oman. For decades, Iran has fulfilled its responsibilities as a coastal State.
Since 28 February, the United States and Israel have waged an unlawful war of aggression against Iran, in violation of the UN Charter, disrupting maritime security and threatening regional peace.
The United States has imposed a so-called maritime blockade and has engaged in unlawful actions, including the seizure of Iranian commercial vessels in international waters and the detention of their crews—acts that constitute piracy and hostage-taking.
The US actions violate international law, the UN Charter, and constitute acts of aggression under United Nations General Assembly Resolution 3314.
The United States is acting like pirates and terrorists, targeting commercial vessels through coercion and intimidation, terrorising their crews, unlawfully seizing ships, and taking crew members hostage.
But no one from those who have expressed their concern for international navigation dares to refer to or condemn this terrorist act at today’s meeting.
In contrast, Iran’s measures in the Strait of Hormuz are grounded in Iran’s rights and obligations under the law of the sea and its national laws and regulations.
Iran’s lawful measures aim to strike an appropriate balance between the security interests of the coastal State and the continued safe conduct of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, in a highly volatile environment.
These practical measures will be carefully examined in light of evolving circumstances.
Iran is not a party to the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Accordingly, it is not bound by its treaty-based provisions, except to the extent that specific rules reflected therein are universally recognised as customary international law.
It is regrettable that some members, while asserting that navigational rights must not be threatened, deliberately ignore the United States’ imposition of a so-called maritime blockade that threatens international navigation.
They have once again exposed their double standards. Their concern for maritime safety and freedom of navigation is neither genuine nor consistent with their actions and positions.
Responsibility for any disruption to maritime transport lies with the aggressors—the United States and its supporters. Any claim to the contrary is unfounded.
I thank you.