Speaking before the Security Council, UAE Minister of State Khalifa bin Shaheen Al Marar called Iran fully accountable for what he described as unlawful obstruction of international navigation — as more than 90 countries united behind the same demand.
Khalifa bin Shaheen Al Marar © FER
The United Arab Emirates has called for the immediate and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, holding Iran fully responsible for damages caused by its blockade of one of the world's most critical waterways.
Speaking at a UN Security Council high-level debate on maritime security - chaired by Bahrain - UAE Minister of State Khalifa bin Shaheen Al Marar outlined a sweeping indictment of Iranian conduct in and around the Strait: illegal fees imposed on transiting vessels, terrorist attacks on navigation, mine-laying and discriminatory treatment of foreign ships, all in violation of Security Council Resolution 2817.
"Allowing Iran to utilise this international Strait as a tool for leverage and political gain would undermine the stability required by the international order," Al Marar warned. "If Iran is permitted to persist in closing the Strait, it would set a dangerous precedent that could erode the freedom of navigation in vital waterways around the world."
The UAE minister also affirmed that Iran bears full liability for reparations for all damages caused by its internationally illegal actions, including environmental harm to the sea.
The debate saw an extraordinary show of unity. Ahead of the session, Al Marar joined Bahrain's Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif Al Zayani at a joint press event backed by more than 90 countries, delivering a single unified message to Tehran: end the blockade now.
Tehran has submitted its latest proposal for negotiations with the United States, Iranian state media and a Pakistani official said on Friday, a move that could offer hope for breaking a deadlock in efforts to end the Iran war.
A senior United Arab Emirates official said on Friday Tehran could not be trusted over any unilateral arrangements it makes for the Strait of Hormuz, in a sign of deep mistrust on all sides as efforts to end the Iran war remained at an impasse.
The United Arab Emirates has issued a travel ban prohibiting its citizens from visiting Iran, Lebanon and Iraq, the official WAM news agency reported Thursday.
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