Russia has issued a stark warning to countries considering participation in a US-proposed maritime coalition to escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, stating such involvement would legally constitute complicity in "US and Israeli aggression against Iran." The remarks from Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova this week escalate diplomatic tensions amid ongoing Middle Eastern hostilities.
"Any nation joining this coalition becomes a party to the conflict under international law," Zakharova declared during a Wednesday press briefing, reiterating Moscow's position that regional stability must be achieved through dialogue rather than military posturing. The strategic waterway, through which 20% of global oil shipments pass, has become a flashpoint following last month's unprecedented US-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets.
The February 28 attacks, which Iranian state media reported killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and senior military figures, prompted retaliatory missile and drone strikes from Tehran targeting US and Israeli installations across the region. Iranian Ambassador to South Africa Mansour Shakib Mehr affirmed Wednesday that Iran will continue military actions while perceiving an "ongoing threat."
Despite Washington's calls for allied naval support, most nations have declined participation in the proposed Hormuz security initiative. Analysts suggest the reluctance stems from concerns over escalating the conflict and disrupting critical energy shipments.
