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🇮🇱 Israel /Conflict & Security

Iran Slams EU Over 'Hypocritical' International Law Claims

From Jerusalem Post · (1d ago) English Critical tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei accused the EU of hypocrisy regarding international law and freedom of transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Baghaei stated that international law does not prevent Iran from taking measures to protect itself and criticized the EU for ignoring potential violations by the US and Israel.
  • The exchange follows comments from EU Vice-President Kaja Kallas asserting the principle of open and free transit through the strait.

The Jerusalem Post highlights a sharp exchange between Iran and the European Union concerning international law and maritime transit, specifically through the vital Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, directly challenged the EU's stance, labeling its pronouncements on international law as hypocritical. This response comes after EU Vice-President Kaja Kallas emphasized the principle of free and open passage through the strait under international law.

Spare the sermons, Europe’s chronic failure to practice what it preaches has turned its 'international law' talk into peak hypocrisy.

— Esmaeil BaghaeiIranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, criticizing the EU's stance on international law.

Baghaei's remarks underscore Iran's perspective that its actions are defensive and justified in the face of perceived aggression. He asserted that international law permits Iran to take "necessary measures" to prevent the Strait of Hormuz from being used against it militarily. This framing positions Iran as acting within its rights to protect its security interests, particularly in the context of ongoing tensions and alleged "US-Israeli aggression." The spokesperson also pointedly accused the EU of overlooking potential violations of international law by the US and Israel, suggesting a double standard in the bloc's application of legal principles.

And 'unconditional transit passage' in Hormuz? That fiction sailed the moment US-Israeli aggression brought US military assets into the strait’s backyard.

— Esmaeil BaghaeiIranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, commenting on the Strait of Hormuz and regional tensions.

The article also brings in concerns raised by US law experts regarding potential international law violations by US forces, citing specific comments from President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This adds another layer to Iran's argument, suggesting that the focus on its actions ignores broader issues of international law compliance. From an Iranian perspective, as reported by The Jerusalem Post, this situation is not merely about maritime transit but a broader geopolitical struggle where international law is selectively applied. The narrative presented is one of self-defense against external threats, with the EU's position viewed as politically motivated rather than legally sound.

Under international law, transit through waterways like the Strait of Hormuz must remain open and free of charge.

— Kaja KallasVice-President of the European Commission, stating the EU's position on maritime transit.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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