The United Arab Emirates has called for the immediate and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, urging the international community to hold Iran accountable for what it described as unlawful interference in global maritime navigation.
Speaking at a United Nations Security Council open debate on maritime security chaired by Bahrain, UAE Minister of State Sheikh Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar warned that recent developments pose a serious threat to international shipping lanes and global trade.
He cited alleged Iranian actions, including attacks on Gulf states and Jordan and obstruction of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, saying these violate international law and Security Council Resolution 2817, which condemns attempts to disrupt maritime traffic in the vital waterway.
Al Marar also pointed to resolutions from the International Maritime Organization and other UN bodies calling for the Strait to remain open and for the protection of freedom of transit passage under international law.
He warned that using the Strait as a tool of political pressure could undermine global stability and set a dangerous precedent affecting freedom of navigation worldwide.
The UAE official alleged a pattern of violations, including illegal fees on vessels, threats to shipping, mining activities, and discriminatory treatment of foreign ships, and said Iran must be held responsible, including compensation for damages.
He stressed that any disruption to the Strait would have severe consequences for global energy security, supply chains, and food and fertilizer availability, especially in developing countries.
The UAE said it supports collective international efforts to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open and secure in line with international law, amid growing calls from more than 90 countries for safe and unimpeded maritime passage.
