Madam President,

Germany fully aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union. Allow me to add a few additional points in my national capacity.

Germany deplores that the draft resolution submitted by Bahrain was not adopted due to vetoes by two permanent members of the Security Council. The resolution would have been an important contribution for ensuring freedom of navigation and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. In addition, it would have sent a clear signal to Iran that it must not instrumentalize freedom of navigation for political purposes or to harm third countries.

We highly appreciate Bahrain’s dedicated leadership and flexibility during negotiations, in particular by emphasizing measures of de-escalation and the necessity to abide by international law.

It is thus deplorable that two vetoes squandered an important opportunity to contribute to overcoming a situation that affects many of the countries gathered in this building today.

And I want to be clear: Iran’s attacks against countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council and other countries in the region are unjustified and they are unlawful. And the targeting of civilian infrastructure is particularly unacceptable.

Iranian attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf constitute a violation of international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. These violations of the freedom of navigation affect global trade and threaten economies, supply chains as well as energy and food security around the world. And ultimately, they particularly hurt the most vulnerable amongst us.

Madam President,

Germany remains convinced that only a political solution can bring lasting peace to the region. We welcome the direct talks between the United States and Iran that started in Islamabad. We thank Pakistan for its mediation efforts.

Germany remains ready to work towards a comprehensive political solution. Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon. It must respect its obligations under the NPT and its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA. And Iran must urgently ensure maritime security, freedom of navigation and the free, safe and toll-free passage in the Strait of Hormuz and adjacent seas, in line with its obligations under international law.

The Security Council must not be paralyzed when regional stability and international peace and security are at stake. For our part, Germany will continue to support diplomacy, de-escalation and a negotiated solution.

I thank you.