New york: Khalifa bin Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State, called for the immediate and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and for Iran to be held fully accountable for its unlawful obstruction of international navigation, in his remarks before the United Nations Security Council High-Level Open Debate on 'The Safety and Protection of Waterways in the Maritime Domain', which was chaired by the Kingdom of Bahrain.
According to Emirates News Agency, Al Marar highlighted the Council's efforts over the years to address threats to maritime security, specifically citing Iran's unprovoked attacks on Gulf countries and Jordan, and obstruction of maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Resolution 2817 was adopted condemning any Iranian actions aimed at closing or obstructing international navigation in the Strait.
Al Marar emphasized recent decisions by the International Maritime Organisation Council, its legal committee, and the UN Human Rights Council, which reflect the international community's demand for Iran to cease its unlawful actions in the Strait and ensure unrestricted transit passage, as per international law.
He warned that allowing Iran to use the Strait as leverage would undermine global stability and set a precedent threatening freedom of navigation in international waterways. Al Marar detailed Iran's violations, such as imposing illegal fees, launching attacks, laying mines, and discriminatory treatment of vessels, breaching international resolutions like Security Council Resolution 2817.
He asserted that Iran must be held liable for damages from its illegal actions, affecting the sea, marine environment, and global economy, with significant impacts on energy security and supply chains, particularly in the Global South.
Al Marar stressed the need for collective international action to ensure sustainable freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. He reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to efforts ensuring the Strait remains open under international law.
Ahead of the UN debate, Al Marar joined a press event with Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Bahrain's Foreign Minister, and representatives from over 90 countries, urging Iran to halt unlawful actions and ensure open transit passage in the Strait, in line with international law. The participating countries highlighted the global threat posed by Iran's actions to international security and navigational rights.