UAE Expresses Disappointment as UN 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 implications 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 freedom of navigation in the vital waterway.
The UAE acknowledged the diplomatic efforts and leadership of Bahrain in managing the draft resolution.
Since February 28, 2026, Iran has executed at least 21 direct assaults on commercial vessels, resulting in the deaths of over 10 crew members. Additionally, approximately 20,000 seafarers remain stranded on ships unable to navigate safely through the Strait due to Iranian threats.
Background on the Draft Resolution
The draft resolution was built upon Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), which condemned Iran’s unprovoked attacks and threats against the UAE and its neighboring countries. It also addressed any measures aimed at closing, obstructing, or interfering with international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The resolution emphasized that regional countries should not be drawn into broader conflicts. Despite this clear directive, Iran has persisted in its unlawful attacks on commercial vessels, defying Security Council resolutions.
The draft resolution underscored the necessity of maintaining the right of passage through the Strait and encouraged states to coordinate defensive efforts to ensure safe navigation. It condemned any attempts to obstruct international navigation and demanded that Iran cease its attacks on commercial vessels and any actions undermining freedom of navigation.
Economic Implications
The global economy is at risk due to the Security Council’s deadlock. The Strait of Hormuz serves as a crucial artery for global maritime security and trade, facilitating the transport 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 the Strait 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 countries far beyond the region.
Lana Nusseibeh, Minister of State, stated that Iran is effectively holding the world hostage by closing the Strait of Hormuz. She emphasized that the closure of such a critical global chokepoint affects every household facing rising gas prices, every farmer struggling with fertilizer costs, and every nation reliant on open seas. Nusseibeh affirmed that the UAE will not remain passive and will continue to collaborate with international partners to reopen the Strait and combat economic terrorism that affects global food and fuel prices. She urged the international community to act promptly to restore stability to global markets.
Calls for Action
Mohamed Abushahab, the Permanent Representative of the UAE to the UN, remarked that no nation should possess the authority to disrupt the flow of global commerce. He criticized the Security Council for failing to fulfill its responsibility to act, asserting that the Strait of Hormuz must not be used as a bargaining chip by Iran or as leverage in broader geopolitical dynamics.
UN Security Council Resolution 2817, co-sponsored by a record 136 countries, reaffirmed the illegality of Iran’s closure of the Strait and condemned its unprovoked attacks on the UAE and neighboring nations. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council’s decision on March 19, 2026, also condemned Iranian threats and attacks against commercial vessels in the Strait, receiving support from over 115 Member States—the highest number of co-sponsors in its history. The UAE has called on all nations to fully implement Resolution 2817 and take urgent measures to ensure the immediate reopening of the Strait.
Ongoing Diplomatic Efforts
The UAE, in collaboration with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Jordan, continues to engage in extensive diplomatic outreach to all Security Council members. The UAE remains committed to collective international efforts aimed at safeguarding maritime security and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of global trade. Furthermore, the UAE will persist in its constructive engagement in international processes, adhering to international law and the UN Charter, to address this crisis and protect the global economy.
Despite the outcome of the recent UNSC voting session, there is a broad international consensus on the seriousness of this crisis and the urgent need to uphold freedom of navigation.
As reported by www.emirates247.com.
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Published on 2026-04-08 16:13:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk