Arab foreign ministers demand Iran pay compensation for attacks, closure of Strait of Hormuz

Arab foreign ministers on Tuesday demanded that Iran pay compensation for damage caused by what they described as Iranian attacks on Arab countries and its closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The position came in a resolution passed during an emergency Arab League meeting held by video conference under Bahrain’s chairmanship.

The resolution said Iran bears “full international responsibility” for attacks targeting Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Iraq, and is obliged under international law to provide “full reparation” for all resulting losses and damages.

It also condemned Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and threats to shut the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, saying such actions violate international law and the principle of freedom of navigation.

Abdullatif Al Zayani, Bahrain’s foreign minister, said Iran’s actions disrupted maritime traffic, threatened energy security, food and medicine supplies, and harmed global trade and the world economy.

He said Tehran must also be held accountable for the consequences of closing the Strait of Hormuz to international navigation.

Earlier this month, Iran demanded compensation from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, and Jordan, claiming the countries had taken part in the war against Tehran.

Hostilities in the region escalated after the U.S. and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on Feb. 28. In response, Tehran carried out retaliatory strikes on Israel and other regional countries hosting US assets.

On April 11, Pakistan hosted a first round of peace talks after brokering a two-week ceasefire on April 8.

With the ceasefire extended on Tuesday, efforts to convene a second round continue.