The Council of the International Maritime Organization agreed on Friday on the need for states to reject Iran's attempts to impose its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, and the unilateral decision taken by Tehran to establish a body to control navigation through this strategic maritime passage.

In a non-binding resolution issued by the Council, it strongly condemned Iran's decision to establish an entity claiming control over navigation through the strait, calling on member states not to recognize Tehran's claim of sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, and its assertion that maritime areas of third states within and near the strait fall under its jurisdiction, considering that a clear violation of those states' sovereignty, sovereign rights, and exclusive jurisdiction.

The resolution also called for non-recognition of any Iranian decisions aimed at preventing, hindering, obstructing the right of passage, or interfering with it in any way.

This step comes amid escalating tensions, as the United States and Iran exchanged hostile acts this week, including US airstrikes in response to attacks that Washington described as Iranian targeting commercial ships.

These events have raised serious concerns about global oil supplies and maritime shipping, and highlighted the fragility of the temporary truce aimed at ending a conflict that has been ongoing for more than four months, at a time when Washington and Tehran are seeking to reach a permanent agreement, according to Reuters.

The Iranian Strait Management Authority, recently established, issued an advisory statement last June announcing that no vessel is allowed to transit the strait without a valid permit issued by it.

In response, Iran—which does not hold a seat on the organization's Council—told the organization's delegates that it rejects what it described as 'selective, politically motivated accusations with no legal basis,' asserting that it is not a party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and is not bound by its regime.

The Tehran delegation explained that the measures implemented by Iran aim to maintain maritime safety and security, and protect its sovereignty and security interests, stressing that these measures do not constitute a closure of the strait.

The International Maritime Organization, a United Nations agency headquartered in London, is responsible for regulating the safety and security of international shipping and reducing marine pollution, and has 176 member states.