Vienna, April 4: The Iranian embassy in Austria has accused the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, of hypocrisy following comments made regarding ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Borrell had stated that restoring “toll-free navigation” in the strategic waterway should be an immediate priority, attributing the near halt in shipping traffic to Iranian attacks.
In response, the Iranian embassy issued two posts criticizing Borrell’s statements, claiming he ignored the “aggressive attacks” from the US-Israel alliance while portraying Iran’s actions as merely “defensive.”
The embassy also raised legal concerns, pointing out that Borrell called on Iran to respect the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, despite Iran not being a party to the treaty.
In a strongly worded statement, the embassy targeted Borrell’s advisors, labeling them as “yes-men” and referencing former US President Donald Trump, suggesting that similar figures surrounded him.
Furthermore, the embassy asserted that Iran has complied with the Non-Proliferation Treaty, yet its “peaceful and monitored nuclear facilities” have been attacked.
Concluding its statement, the embassy emphasized that international law should apply equally to all, advocating for the respect of all people, including Iranians, Palestinians, Lebanese, Syrians, Iraqis, Yemenis, and others who are oppressed. It condemned the use of such laws for personal gain while suppressing legitimate demands of others.
Notably, the Strait of Hormuz is a crucial maritime route for global oil supply, and the escalating tensions in the region remain a significant international concern.