The European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, issued the following statement regarding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz:

“The EU welcomes the decision of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which unequivocally condemns Iran’s threats and attacks on vessels that endanger innocent civilian sailors. The EU supports the IMO’s call to halt any action or threat aimed at closing, obstructing, or otherwise interfering with international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

At its meeting on March 19, the European Council reiterated the need to safeguard regional airspace, maritime security, and respect for freedom of navigation, condemning any act that threatens navigation or obstructs the entry and exit of vessels from the Strait of Hormuz.

The exercise of navigation rights and freedoms by commercial vessels, according to international law, must be respected.

The EU also reiterates its call for full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817.”