Five Gulf States Joint IMO Statement; “Dangerous Precedent”
Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have jointly written in a statement to the International Maritime Organization that Iran appears to be attempting “to control traffic” through the Strait of Hormuz by forcing vessels to use a route within its territorial waters. The statement warned that any recognition of Iran’s proposed route or the Persian Gulf Strait Authority “would set a dangerous precedent”. “The war cannot end in a way that secures US and allied interests until Iran abandons its effort to control the strait. Recognition or compliance with Iranian transit rules would allow the regime to achieve de facto control over the strait.”
The UAE’s addition to the joint statement is the most significant escalation: the Persian Gulf Strait Authority’s 20 May map now explicitly claims territorial waters belonging to the UAE and Oman. “Iran’s promise not to attack vessels would not secure freedom of navigation if the regime requires ships to obtain permits, pay fees, or coordinate with IRGC Navy forces. Full freedom of navigation through the strait, therefore, remains a necessary condition for any durable end to the war.” ISW-CTP’s standing assessment: Iranian leaders are positioning Iran to emerge from the war in a stronger strategic position, with veto power over access to the strait. “Iran is therefore not aiming to just ‘survive’ the war.” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has repeatedly stated that an Iranian toll system would be unacceptable and “would make a diplomatic deal unfeasible”.