Russia Condemns US Strait of Hormuz Actions as Unilateral and Illegally Undermining International Law
Moscow Criticizes American Stance, Citing Unilateralism and Disregard for Maritime Conventions
Moscow, [Date of Publication] – Russia has sharply criticized the United States’ approach to maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, labeling its actions as unilateral, illegal, and a violation of international law. The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, asserted that Washington’s conduct in the critical waterway demonstrates a disregard for established legal frameworks and international norms.
Questioning U.S. Judgment in Maritime Disputes
Zakharova stated that the U.S. military leadership’s public dismissal of “rules of war” raises serious concerns about Washington’s judgment and reliability in managing disputes, particularly within the sensitive context of the Persian Gulf. “We wish to remind everyone, including U.S. officials, that the violation of international humanitarian law is impermissible,” Zakharova remarked during a press briefing. “While the U.S. military leadership openly calls the rules of war nonsense – and this is their own wording – unfortunately, one cannot count on any wisdom or sound judgment.”
A Free Interpretation of International Law
The spokesperson emphasized that the U.S. imposition of a maritime blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, including inspections of vessels and sanctions on Iranian ports, constitutes unilateral and illegal measures. She further elaborated that these actions represent Washington’s “free interpretation” of the law of the sea, which, she argued, only serves to escalate tensions in the region.
“In general, the actions of the United States in imposing a maritime blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, both regarding the inspection of ships and the imposition of sanctions on Iranian ports, should be considered unilateral and illegal actions, both from the perspective of the UN Charter and specifically from the viewpoint of the law of the sea,” Zakharova said. “This is another free interpretation of international legal frameworks by Washington, which only serves to increase tensions in the dispute.”
Strategic Importance of the Strait
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime chokepoint, with approximately 20% of the world’s global oil, oil products, and liquefied natural gas supply passing through it. The U.S. Navy reportedly initiated a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports on both sides of the Strait on April 13th. Washington maintains that vessels not connected to Iran can traverse the Strait freely if they do not pay passage fees to Tehran, a scenario that Iranian officials have alluded to but not yet formalized with specific charges.
Reports from the Pentagon’s Southern Command claimed that in the initial two days of the operation, no vessels were able to bypass the U.S. maritime blockade on Iranian ports, with nine vessels reportedly being intercepted.
[Optional addition, if relevant to the political framing and if the original Persian text implies it: The article also briefly touched upon broader diplomatic relations, with Zakharova making a separate remark regarding European involvement in Ukraine negotiations, suggesting a perceived lack of constructive engagement.]
