Russia says US naval blockade against Iran violates international law

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, during her weekly press briefing, responded to a question from a Mehr News Agency correspondent by stating that Russia regards the actions of the United States and Israel against Iran as direct and unprovoked aggression. She emphasized that Moscow's position on Tehran remains unchanged.

Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Zakharova said Russia's stance has been stated clearly on multiple occasions. "We are facing a direct and unprovoked aggression by America and Israel against Iran and the Iranian people," she said. She noted that this position is not temporary or emotional but is based on a comprehensive assessment of facts and factors. She also mentioned that President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov have previously spoken on the matter, and that "this position has not changed."

Zakharova described the situation as part of a broader challenge threatening the international legal system that governs the world's seas and oceans. "The global ocean, instead of being governed by legal frameworks and international regulations, is becoming an arena of disaster, piracy and absolute lawlessness," she stated.

On the naval blockade itself, Zakharova said, "From a legal perspective, this action is fundamentally unacceptable. From a humanitarian perspective, it is also unacceptable." She pointed out that the only legal method for restricting a country's activities is through UN Security Council sanctions. "Has the Security Council sanctioned or authorized what is happening in the Strait of Hormuz? No. And fundamentally, it could not have authorized such an action, because it was a blatant and absolute violation of law," she added.

According to Mehr News, the briefing underscored Russia's consistent opposition to the US and Israeli measures against Iran and its emphasis on upholding international law in maritime affairs.