Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei accused the European Union of hypocrisy after a senior European Commission official said that international law requires free and open transit through waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz. Baghaei rejected the criticism, arguing that Europe fails to uphold the same legal standards it promotes.

He maintained that international law does not prevent Iran from taking necessary measures to protect itself from military threats in the Strait of Hormuz. Baghaei also alleged that European leaders had ignored what he described as unlawful actions by the United States and Israel, claiming their military activities undermined the principle of unrestricted transit in the area.

Separately, more than 100 international law scholars in the United States expressed concern in a public letter about the conduct and rhetoric of American officials. The experts warned of possible violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, citing reported strikes on civilian sites, including a school, and comments by senior officials suggesting a disregard for established rules of engagement.