Iran: Regional cooperation will protect security and global maritime laws in the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea

According to the foreign policy group Tasnim news agency, Zahra Ershadi, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations last night local time at the General Assembly meeting under the title: “Oceans and the Law of the Seas” under Agenda 75 said: The Islamic Republic of Iran as a signatory country of the United Nations Convention Regarding the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS), it recognizes the importance of this international legal framework in managing activities related to oceans and seas.

He added: However, Iran Believes that UNCLOS should not be considered as the exclusive legal framework within which all activities related to oceans and seas are conducted. We believe that any reference to UNCLOS should be made in conjunction with other relevant instruments and legal frameworks, not in isolation. This approach can better reflect the comprehensive nature of this resolution in addressing the evolving nature of maritime challenges such as environmental concerns and maritime security.

Arshadi continued: Furthermore, such an approach would better address the legitimate concerns of non-Convention parties who are not legally bound by provisions that are not customary in nature. Therefore, we expect that any negotiations on related resolutions on oceans and seas should properly address these concerns and adopt an inclusive approach that can lead to constructive engagement among a greater number of countries in support of these resolutions. The interaction of my delegation during the negotiations and joining the consensus should not be considered as a change in the legal position of the Islamic Republic of Iran in relation to UNCLOS.

Guidance referring to the efforts made in the sustainable management of fisheries, which play an important role in supporting the economic activities of some developing countries, preserving marine resources, maintaining healthy marine ecosystems and guaranteeing food security for all, stated: The Islamic Republic of Iran encourages all countries, regional fisheries management organizations and relevant international institutions to prioritize responsible fisheries management, the use of selective fishing methods, and the fight against illegal, unreported and illegal fishing. .

He added: rapid population growth, industrialization, urbanization, increased fishing demand, drought and other natural disasters caused Global warming and climate change, as well as inefficient development policies, are depleting natural resources at an alarming rate, thereby posing serious threats to the marine environment of our region. Sea level rise, loss of biodiversity and reduction of various species of native plants and animals are just some of the many challenges we are facing in our region.

The representative of Iran continued: Considering the increase in damage and destruction of essential and economically important coastal ecosystems such as mangrove forests, coral reefs and fishing livelihoods in the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea, we strongly support the coastal countries of the region. We encourage them to work together to protect such ecosystems. We reiterate our request to all concerned countries to work together to protect the environment of this shared water body and refrain from unilateral actions that could endanger its marine environment.

He also said: In terms of marine life and its preservation, the irresponsible construction of artificial islands and restoration activities in the Persian Gulf will undoubtedly damage the habitat of rare and fragile marine species and life It endangers them. In addition, the deployment and extraordinary presence of the military fleet outside the region in the Persian Gulf has not only intensified the security and safety of the coastal countries, as well as the smooth navigation in this water area, but also intensified the marine pollution and its evacuation. In this regard, the Islamic Republic of Iran is determined to implement its laws and regulations in dealing with any marine pollution and environmental damage by vessels under its jurisdiction in the Persian Gulf.

Arshadi, while stating that the Islamic Republic of Iran pays attention to the resolution 77/276 of the General Assembly dated March 29, 2023, in which it requests the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice regarding the obligations of governments He said: This resolution includes the issue of sea level rise. Since the resolution only focuses on one of the possible causes of climate change, the Islamic Republic of Iran logically expects the Court to examine this issue in a general and comprehensive manner.

He added: The Islamic Republic of Iran attaches the greatest importance to the issue of climate change and its environmental effects. Nevertheless, the imposition of unilateral coercive measures (UCM) is the most critical obstacle to the implementation of environmental obligations by target countries, including my country. These illegal unilateral coercive measures have jeopardized our efforts to combat environmental problems, including by denying access to new technologies, know-how, and adequate financial resources.

The representative of Iran continued: Considering the rise in the sea level, considering the long-term and inevitable social, economic and security challenges caused by this environmental phenomenon, my delegation would like to It should be emphasized that the implementation of land reclamation, coastal fortifications and other means to protect coastal areas, as long as such fortifications do not lead to the creation of new rights for countries, base points, baselines and islands can be considered as a suitable response to sea level rise in commented.

Deputy Permanent Representative of Iran to the United Nations said: We would like to emphasize that according to the law of the sea, artificial islands, Facilities and structures do not have the status of islands. Therefore, any discussion about the relationship between artificial islands and changing sea areas in relation to sea level rise is irrelevant. Iran welcomes the adoption of a legally binding agreement on the protection and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas outside of national jurisdiction. We believe that this treaty represents a major turning point in global efforts for the conservation and sustainable use of biological resources in areas outside national jurisdiction.

Arshadi stated: The Islamic Republic of Iran emphasizes that regional cooperation The basis of the said plan will be the protection of safety, security and global maritime laws, especially in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of ​​Oman. The same sentiments and understanding underlie our cooperation with other countries in the region and beyond to combat piracy, as recognized by the Secretary-General in his respective reports and supported by the Security Council in a number of resolutions.

He concluded by saying: I would like to pay attention to the adverse effects of unilateral coercive measures on maritime navigation. These illegal actions have far-reaching and negative consequences for maritime navigation, affecting trade, safety, security and international relations. It is our firm belief that addressing these illegal actions requires a cooperative and diplomatic approach that emphasizes the need for effective implementation of international law.

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