NEW YORK – Iran’s deputy ambassador to the United Nations has called for cooperation among regional countries to protect the ecosystems of the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea.
Addressing a UN General Assembly meeting on “oceans and the law of the sea” on Tuesday, Iran’s Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Zahra Ershadi warned against the increasing damage and destruction of essential and economically important coastal ecosystems, such as mangrove forests, coral reefs and the livelihood of fisheries in the Persian Gulf and Oman sea.
“We urge all relevant states to cooperate in order to protect the environment of this shared body of water and refrain from unilateral acts that might endanger its marine environment,” she said.
Ershadi added Iran “reiterates its commitment to rule-based maritime order for securing maritime rights and interests for all as well as ensuring that maritime activities are undertaken smoothly, including based on the international law of the sea.”
The Iranian envoy also said that combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing should be on the agenda of all countries.
She further warned that the irresponsible construction of artificial islands in the Persian Gulf would unequivocally damage the habitats of rare marine species.
The heavy presence of military fleets from extra-territorial countries has exacerbated not only safety and security, but also maritime pollution, she added.
The Iranian diplomat also warned that escalating tensions among littoral Persian Gulf states would further destabilize the region and severely endanger development and prosperity.
Ershadi issued a stern warning against acts of piracy targeting tankers carrying Iran’s oil cargos at sea, urging the international community to condemn such illegal measures that endanger freedom of navigation.
Late in October, American forces confiscated a tanker that was carrying a cargo of Iranian oil in the strategic Sea of Oman, transferring its consignment of crude to another vessel.
The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy then staged a maritime operation against the second vessel, landing its helicopters on its deck and navigating the ship towards Iranian waters.
American destroyers and helicopters were dispatched to the scene, but Iranian speed boats and vessels made them flee the area.