Arab League Demands Compensation from Iran; Iran Rejects the Claim

Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has dismissed the latest statement by Arab nations as “completely rejected.”

On Tuesday, April 21, foreign ministers from Arab countries held an emergency virtual meeting at Bahrain’s request to discuss the Islamic Republic’s threats to close the Strait of Hormuz and disrupt international shipping. The meeting ended with a joint statement holding Iran responsible for damages caused by the recent crisis.

The session was held under the Arab League Council at the ministerial level. According to Arab officials, it was convened to review “Iran’s attacks against Arab countries, Tehran’s obligations under international law, and ways to end the regional crisis.”

In the final statement released early Wednesday, Arab foreign ministers said any Iranian move to block the free passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz or the Bab al-Mandab Strait would amount to a clear violation of international law and a direct threat to global energy security and trade. The statement said the Islamic Republic bears “full international responsibility” for financial losses, economic damages, and harm resulting from its actions and must pay full compensation under international law.

Responding to the statement, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said regional governments that have made their territory and facilities available for U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran, whether by facilitating access, providing bases, or offering logistical or intelligence support, “bear international responsibility for the consequences of these actions and must be held accountable.”

Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the Arab League, said on the sidelines of the meeting that Arab countries “will never be held hostage by Iran for regional score-settling.” He added that freedom of navigation in international waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz, is guaranteed under international law and that Tehran cannot take control of it.

The Arab foreign ministers also urged the UN Security Council to act to protect regional security and guarantee freedom of navigation. They further called on Arab and regional institutions to set up a mechanism to document losses, assess damages, and pursue legal routes to seek compensation from Iran.

This is the third emergency meeting of Arab foreign ministers since the recent crisis with Iran began, reflecting growing political pressure from Arab nations on Tehran alongside Western economic pressure.