Hormuz closure is a grave violation of international law

2026-03-18 - 19:23

Kuwait condemns Iran’s actions as a ‘dangerous violation’ of international law, warning that attempts to close the Strait of Hormuz threaten global maritime security Kuwait has reaffirmed its firm stance on safeguarding international maritime security, condemning in the strongest terms any use of force against civilian vessels and warning that attempts to close the Strait of Hormuz constitute a grave violation of international law and a direct assault on the principle of freedom of navigation. In a statement delivered before the 36th Extraordinary Session of the Council of the International Maritime Organization in London, Kuwait’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, H.E. Bader Al-Munaikh, stressed that Kuwait categorically rejects actions and threats by Iran aimed at obstructing or disrupting international shipping routes, including both the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab. He warned that such actions jeopardize maritime safety and stability, citing attacks on commercial vessels that have endangered the lives of innocent seafarers, heightened the risk of severe marine pollution, and undermined confidence in global shipping lanes, reports Al-Rai daily. Ambassador Al-Munaikh noted that the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Arsenio Dominguez, has expressed deep concern over casualties among maritime crews as a result of recent incidents in the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring the human cost of escalating tensions. He emphasized that Iran’s actions represent a serious breach of the internationally recognized principle of freedom of navigation, as enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Kuwait, he affirmed, remains committed to protecting vital maritime corridors to ensure the uninterrupted flow of global trade and the stability of international energy markets. Kuwait further stressed the necessity of prohibiting the use of force against civilian vessels, warning that any escalation in such a sensitive maritime zone could trigger severe environmental consequences, including oil spills and hazardous material leaks, with far-reaching implications for global supply chains and ecological stability. Addressing broader regional developments, Ambassador Al-Munaikh conveyed Kuwait’s strong condemnation of missile and drone attacks launched by Iran against several Gulf Cooperation Council countries — including Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates — as well as Jordan and Kuwait. He described these attacks, involving more than 3,000 missiles and drones, as unjustified, indiscriminate, and in clear violation of international law. He extended Kuwait’s condolences to the victims and their families, while wishing a swift recovery to the injured, stressing that such acts represent a serious threat to international peace and security and a flagrant breach of sovereignty. Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Al-Munaikh reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to working closely with all member states of the International Maritime Organization to strengthen maritime safety frameworks, protect seafarers, and ensure the secure and uninterrupted flow of international trade.