Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, the UAE’s Minister of State for International Cooperation, recently participated in a virtual gathering of Foreign Ministers focused on the security situation in the Strait of Hormuz. This meeting was organized by Yvette Cooper, the UK’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs. During the discussions, Al Hashimy articulated the urgent nature of challenges confronting the UAE, particularly since February 28, when Iranian-backed groups have launched attacks against the nation. She specified that these assaults included over 2,500 ballistic and cruise missiles along with drone strikes primarily targeting civilian infrastructure. Notably, the UAE has actively sought to mitigate these rising tensions despite not being involved in the current regional conflicts.

Condemnation of Economic Warfare and Maritime Threats

Al Hashimy condemned the Iranian actions as economic warfare and piracy, emphasizing that these behaviors starkly violate the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. She illustrated the significant risks that these attacks pose to critical economic, humanitarian, and environmental interests in vital maritime routes. The UAE firmly stated that efforts to block or interfere with navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, or to use it as a means of economic coercion, are wholly unacceptable. Furthermore, such actions directly threaten international navigation freedoms, the safety of seafarers, the robustness of the global economy, and overall energy security.

Impact on Global Energy and Economic Stability

The minister expressed concerns that disruptions in navigation along the Strait of Hormuz have resulted in diminished ship transit volumes, which could severely impact global energy markets, maritime transport infrastructures, and international supply chains. The Strait is acknowledged as one of the most vital maritime passages, facilitating substantial volumes of trade including goods and essential resources. Approximately 25 percent of natural gas production, 20 percent of the world’s oil supply, and 70 percent of global petrochemical requirements are routed through this channel. Additionally, Gulf states export around 33 percent of the world’s fertilizer, making the Strait’s security paramount for global food security, especially given the ongoing risk of food shortages affecting millions worldwide.

Global Implications of Navigation Disruptions

Al Hashimy indicated that the ramifications of disrupted navigation extend beyond developing nations, significantly affecting developed countries that depend on essential materials transported via the Strait. This places the entire international community at risk from economic instability. She reiterated the UAE’s commitment to international initiatives aimed at ensuring unhindered navigation, including backing United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817 and decisions from the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Furthermore, she expressed approval for a draft resolution introduced by Bahrain at the UN Security Council, which seeks to bolster maritime security in the region.

Call for Comprehensive Action Against Iranian Threats

Al Hashimy emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz must be recognized as an international waterway, free from unilateral restrictions imposed by any singular nation. The UAE demands that Iran promptly halt its aggressive actions and adhere to international legal obligations. She called for the respect of navigational freedoms and safe passage for commercial vessels, urging a thorough and comprehensive approach to address the complete spectrum of threats posed by Iran, including issues linked to nuclear capability, missile proliferation, drone activities, and militant proxies that could jeopardize safe navigation in international waters.

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