DistantNews
Russia Open to Hormuz Navigation Talks, Modalities Unclear
🇰🇷 South Korea /Conflict & Security

Russia Open to Hormuz Navigation Talks, Modalities Unclear

From Dong-A Ilbo · (1d ago) Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Russia stated it is open to discussing safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, but modalities remain undecided.
  • Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alimov emphasized that any resolution must be based on international law, specifically the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
  • Russia and China have submitted a joint draft resolution to the UN Security Council concerning Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, indicating openness to revisions based on peace talks.

From Moscow's perspective, the Strait of Hormuz is a critical international waterway, and Russia has consistently advocated for adherence to international law in its management. The recent tensions, exacerbated by actions from the United States and Israel, have prompted Russia to reiterate its commitment to safe navigation. As Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alimov stated, Russia is prepared to engage in discussions regarding the safe passage of vessels, emphasizing that any agreement must be grounded in the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. This stance underscores Russia's broader foreign policy principle of upholding international legal frameworks, even amidst geopolitical conflicts.

Russia is participating in discussions on various alternatives to ensure safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

— Alexander AlimovRussia's Deputy Foreign Minister commenting on the Strait of Hormuz situation.

The article highlights Russia's proactive diplomatic engagement, particularly its collaboration with China. The joint submission of a draft resolution to the UN Security Council demonstrates a coordinated effort to influence the international response to the situation. Russia's willingness to amend the resolution and link its voting to the outcome of peace negotiations between the US and Iran signals a strategic approach aimed at de-escalation and finding a peaceful resolution. This contrasts with the more unilateral actions sometimes observed from other global powers.

The modalities of passage through the Strait of Hormuz have not yet been determined.

— Alexander AlimovRussia's Deputy Foreign Minister clarifying the status of navigation rules.

Russia's position is also informed by its past actions, such as exercising veto power on a Bahrain-led resolution and proposing its own, which ultimately failed to pass. These actions reflect a desire to shape the narrative and ensure that international bodies do not solely reflect Western interests. The emphasis on international law and multilateral diplomacy positions Russia as a proponent of a stable and predictable international order, particularly in vital maritime chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz.

All issues must be resolved based on international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

— Alexander AlimovRussia's Deputy Foreign Minister emphasizing the legal basis for resolving maritime disputes.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog