Delivered by: Ms. Sarah AlAwadhi, First Secretary

Excellencies, Colleagues,

The United Arab Emirates aligns itself with statements delivered by Bahrain on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council Group and by Uruguay on behalf of the G77 and China. We would also like to thank President Thapa, Under-Secretary-General Li, and Madame President Mottley for convening this meeting.

It is quite clear that the most pressing challenge the world faces today regarding energy supplies is the continued disruption and closure by the Islamic Republic of Iran of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime trade corridors and an essential artery of the global economy. This has already been recognized by many speakers today.

In this vein, the UAE condemns Iran’s unlawful attacks on the UAE and fellow countries in the region, as well as its disruptions in the Strait, and its strikes on oil and gas infrastructure and vessels in the region.

According to UNCTAD, the Strait of Hormuz carries one quarter of global seaborne oil trade, in addition to significant volumes of liquefied natural gas and fertilizers. These critical supplies have effectively been taken hostage, driving further ripple effects across energy markets, maritime transport, insurance costs, and global supply chains.

This also has direct implications for food security, inflation, and sustainable development. Rising fuel and transport costs are already increasing pressure on food systems, fertilizer access, freight markets, and household budgets worldwide. Developing countries in particular face heightened risks to economic stability and progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. 

The UAE reiterates that the navigational rights and freedoms of merchant and commercial vessels must be respected, in accordance with international law. Iran must immediately stop its attempts to impede transit passage and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, including its laying of sea mines and exaction of illegal tolls. Security Council resolution 2817 – co-sponsored by 136 Member States – clearly condemned the threats and actions by Iran aimed at interfering with international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz – but Iran continues in blatant defiance of this resolution.

Ensuring the uninterrupted flow of energy and trade through the Strait of Hormuz is imperative for the future of global development.

In all efforts, the UAE remains committed to the safeguarding of energy and supply flows, and looks forward to continued partnership and collaboration on this matter.

Thank you.