Russia defends Iran at UN, comparing Western countries to "pirates"
Vasily Nebenzya, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the UN, has accused Western countries of hypocrisy during a UN Security Council meeting on 27 April, stating that Iran has the right to restrict shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Source: Nebenzya at the Security Council meeting, as reported by CNN
Quote: "There was an attempt to pin full responsibility on Iran as if it was Iran which attacked its neighbours and Iran is deliberately obstructing the navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
In times of war, a coastal state that is under attack may limit navigation in its territorial waters for the purpose of security."
Details: Russia and China vetoed a draft UN Security Council resolution earlier this month aimed at ensuring freedom of passage through the strait.
According to CNN, Nebenzya went further on Monday, comparing Western countries to "pirates". He also condemned Ukrainian attacks using long-range drones and unmanned surface vessels against tankers linked to Russia in the Mediterranean Sea as well as European support for Ukrainian strikes on Russian commercial vessels in the Black Sea.
Quote: "Unlike pirates who raise their black flags with a skull and crossbones in their vessels, Western countries are attempting to conceal their lawless actions with references to unilateral coercive measures.
This is merely a fig leaf, the purpose of which is to conceal the fact that the [European Union] is engaged in blatant robbery at sea."
Previously: Russian leader Vladimir Putin said that "the people of Iran are courageously and heroically fighting for their sovereignty" and that Russia will do everything possible to achieve peace in the Middle East while maintaining its "strategic relations" with Iran.
Background:
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously stated that the US had ignored convincing evidence that Russia was helping Iran attack American bases in the Middle East because Washington "trusts" Putin.
- Iran has also put forward a new peace proposal to the US, which includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, extending the ceasefire or potentially agreeing on a full end to the conflict while postponing nuclear negotiations to a later date.
- Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said that US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would not travel to Pakistan for talks with Iran.
- Trump also stated that Iran could call the US to negotiate an end to the conflict.
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