Amir-Saeid Iravani, the Iranian ambassador to the United Nations, has rejected criticism of the country’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz, Al Jazeera reports.

“Iran’s actions are lawful and consistent with international law,” he has said during a UN Security Council meeting. “Iran could not allow such a critical waterway to be used as a corridor for hostile action and military aggression against its sovereign territory and vital interests.”