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Tehran, April 19. Iran has once again closed the Strait of Hormuz, accusing America of breaking its promise. European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas had said that under international law the Strait of Hormuz should remain open without any charges. On this, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghei has strongly hit back at the EC Vice President.

Iranian leader Ismail Baghei reshared Kaja Kallas’ post on the social media platform Baghei claimed that EU statements on US and Israeli actions are limited to mere preaching, while in practice Europe has repeatedly failed to follow through on its own principles.

He said, “Let the sermons remain. Europe has consistently failed to do what it says, making its international law rhetoric the ultimate hypocrisy. No rule of international law prevents Iran, as a littoral state, from taking necessary steps to prevent military attacks against Iran from using the Strait of Hormuz.”

On the issue of unconditional transit through the Strait of Hormuz, Ismail said, “And the issue of unconditional transit through the Strait of Hormuz became true at the same time when the US/Israeli attack brought American military assets past the Strait.” Kaza Kallas said, “Under international law, transit through waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz must remain open and free. Today, the leaders made that point clear in their appeal to reopen the strait. Any toll-free scheme would set a dangerous precedent for sea lanes around the world. Iran must abandon any plans to impose transit fees.”

The Vice President of the European Commission had said that after the ceasefire, Europe will play its role in restarting energy and trade without any interruption. “The EU’s Aspides Naval Mission is already operating in the Red Sea and could be rapidly strengthened to protect shipping throughout the region. This could be the fastest way to deliver help,” he said.