European Union and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) officials reject recent claims of sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, describing them as unlawful. The statements come as both blocs condemn attacks attributed to Iran on commercial vessels transiting the strategic waterway. Sources report that the EU and GCC position the strait as an internationally used maritime route and state that any assertions of sovereignty affecting commercial navigation are not accepted. In their responses, they link the sovereignty dispute to wider concerns about maritime security in the region, emphasizing the impact on shipping and trade. The outlets also note that the condemnation of Iranian actions centers on the safety of commercial shipping, with the attacks described as unlawful and unacceptable under international norms. Overall, the EU and GCC statements align in rejecting the sovereignty claims and in calling for respect for lawful passage through the Strait of Hormuz.