Greece’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Aglaia Balta, stated at the Security Council that Greece voted in favor of Bahrain’s draft resolution, “reaffirming its strong solidarity with the Gulf countries” and “underscoring the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.”

She thanked Bahrain for its “tireless efforts” in drafting the text, while expressing regret that “its adoption was not possible today.”

As she noted, the Strait of Hormuz remains “one of the most critical sea routes and a vital artery for global trade and energy supply,” emphasizing that any disruption of its smooth operation has “direct and far-reaching consequences for international peace and security.” She stressed that “freedom of navigation constitutes a public good.”

“Iran must immediately stop any dangerous actions”
She reiterated that Greece has “repeatedly condemned Iran’s illegal and unprovoked attacks against countries in the Gulf region and elsewhere,” noting that “any actions by Iran that endanger the unimpeded passage of commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz must cease immediately.”

She also emphasized that Greece remains “firmly committed to promoting maritime security and freedom of navigation in accordance with international law,” as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

In this context, she explained that Greece’s vote in favor of the draft aimed “to encourage coordinated defense-related efforts to ensure safe and unimpeded maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz” and “to contribute to the stability of global energy markets.”

“All ships must enjoy the right of passage”
“All ships must enjoy the right of passage through the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law,” she stressed, noting that UNCLOS “is rightly recognized as the constitution of the seas and codifies customary international law binding on all states.”

In conclusion, she emphasized that “de-escalation of hostilities remains of utmost importance,” both for the broader conflict and for the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, calling on all parties to exercise “maximum restraint,” prevent “further violence,” and urgently work toward reopening “reliable channels of dialogue.”

The goal, she stated, must remain “a return to the negotiating table with a view to peaceful settlement in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter.”