Tehran tells the UN Security Council that US military operations and naval restrictions are fuelling instability in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz.
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES — WEB DESK: Iran has blamed the United States’ naval blockade and military operations for rising maritime insecurity in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Washington of escalating regional tensions.
Iran’s representative to the United Nations Security Council, Gholamhossein Darzi, made the remarks during a Security Council meeting on maritime security, according to Iranian state broadcaster Press TV.
Iran rejects accusations over Strait of Hormuz disruptions
Darzi rejected allegations that Tehran was responsible for disruptions to maritime navigation in the strategic waterway.
He argued that the United States and countries supporting its military operations should be held responsible for the insecurity affecting shipping routes in the region.
The Iranian envoy also maintained that the Strait of Hormuz had remained open and secure until February 28, 2026, when the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran.
These remarks represent Tehran’s position and have not been independently established as a complete account of the causes of maritime insecurity. PressTV
Iran cites attacks on vessels and naval blockade
During his address, Darzi referred to several incidents involving Iranian maritime assets.
He alleged that US forces attacked the Iranian commercial vessel Tuska on April 19, 2026.
He also cited the reported redirection of 100 commercial vessels by US Central Command on May 23 as part of Washington’s blockade enforcement.
The envoy further alleged that American forces attacked two Iranian search-and-rescue vessels, Naji 15 and Naji 16, on July 23 while they were operating inside Iranian territorial waters.
Iran described these incidents as violations of its sovereignty and maritime rights.
Tehran raises concerns over civilian supplies
Darzi warned that restrictions on maritime traffic could affect civilian access to essential supplies, including food, medicine and fuel.
He argued that the blockade was placing additional pressure on Iran’s population and called for international action to address its humanitarian consequences.
The Iranian representative also accused Washington of violating the United Nations Charter, particularly Article 2(4), which prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of states.
Iran calls on UN Security Council to intervene
Darzi urged the UN Security Council to demand an end to what Tehran describes as unlawful US military actions and maritime restrictions.
He said Iran reserved the right to pursue legal measures against those it holds responsible for violations and damages.
The envoy also defended Iran’s right to take what it described as defensive measures to protect its territorial integrity and national interests.
Strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime energy routes, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
Disruptions to shipping through the narrow waterway can affect international energy supplies, commercial shipping and oil market stability.
The United States has publicly acknowledged enforcing a naval blockade against vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports. US Central Command announced the resumption of the blockade on July 14, 2026. Washington says the restrictions target maritime traffic linked to Iranian ports.
