UAE Expresses Disappointment as Security Council Fails to Address Strait of Hormuz Crisis

New York: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has voiced its profound disappointment regarding the UN Security Council’s inability to take decisive action in response to the global repercussions stemming from Iran’s unlawful closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This failure includes the rejection of a resolution proposed by Bahrain on behalf of the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, aimed at safeguarding the freedom of navigation in this critical waterway.

The UAE has acknowledged the diplomatic efforts and leadership of Bahrain in managing the draft resolution.

Escalating Threats in the Strait of Hormuz

Since February 28, 2026, Iran has executed at least 21 direct assaults on commercial vessels, resulting in the deaths of over ten crew members. Additionally, approximately 20,000 seafarers remain stranded on ships unable to navigate safely through the Strait due to Iranian threats.

The draft resolution was designed to build upon Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), which condemned Iran’s unprovoked attacks and threats against the UAE and its neighboring countries. It also addressed measures aimed at obstructing international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The resolution emphasized that regional nations should not be drawn into broader conflicts. However, Iran has continued its unlawful actions against commercial vessels, directly defying Security Council mandates.

Importance of Freedom of Navigation

The draft resolution underscored the necessity of ensuring unimpeded passage through the Strait and encouraged nations to coordinate defensive measures to enhance navigation safety and security. It condemned any attempts to obstruct international navigation and demanded that Iran cease its attacks on commercial vessels immediately.

According to UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), countries possess the right to defend their vessels from provocations undermining navigational rights in accordance with international law. The draft resolution aimed to foster coordinated defensive efforts among states to uphold freedom of navigation.

Global Economic Implications

The ongoing impasse within the Security Council poses significant risks to the global economy. The Strait of Hormuz serves as a vital artery for maritime security and trade, facilitating the transportation of approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas, along with one-third of the global fertilizer trade. The near-total closure of this strategic passage since the onset of regional conflict has severely disrupted global energy markets, compelled several Gulf producers to suspend deliveries, and jeopardized economic stability and food security in nations far beyond the region.

Lana Nusseibeh, Minister of State, stated that Iran’s actions are effectively holding the world hostage by closing the Strait of Hormuz. She emphasized that this closure impacts every household facing rising gas prices, every farmer dealing with fertilizer shortages, and every nation reliant on open maritime routes. The UAE remains committed to collaborating with international partners at the UN and beyond to reopen the Strait and prevent economic terrorism from dictating global food and fuel prices. Nusseibeh called for immediate action from the international community to restore stability in global markets.

Security Council’s Responsibility

Mohamed Abushahab, the UAE’s Permanent Representative to the UN, remarked that no nation should wield the power to disrupt global commerce. He criticized the Security Council for its failure to act, asserting that the Strait of Hormuz must not be leveraged as a bargaining chip in broader geopolitical negotiations.

UN Security Council Resolution 2817, co-sponsored by a record 136 countries, affirmed the illegality of Iran’s closure of the Strait and condemned its unprovoked attacks on the UAE and neighboring states. Additionally, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council’s decision on March 19, 2026, strongly denounced Iranian threats and assaults against commercial vessels in and around the Strait, garnering support from over 115 Member States—the highest number of co-sponsors in its history. The UAE urges all nations to implement Resolution 2817 fully and take urgent steps to ensure the Strait reopens without delay.

Continued Diplomatic Engagement

The UAE, in collaboration with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Jordan, is actively pursuing diplomatic outreach to all Security Council members. The UAE reaffirms its steadfast commitment to collective international efforts aimed at safeguarding maritime security and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of global trade. It will continue to engage constructively in international processes aligned with international law and the UN Charter to address this crisis and protect the global economy.

Despite the recent voting session’s outcome at the UNSC, there exists a broad international consensus on the seriousness of this crisis and the urgent need to uphold the freedom of navigation.

Source: www.emirates247.com

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Published on 2026-04-08 16:13:00 • By the Editorial Desk