Mr. President,
The United Arab Emirates aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Kingdom of Bahrain on behalf of the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Kuwait, the State of Qatar, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
The UAE attaches great importance to the established principles of the law of the sea, including the relevant rules of customary international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The UAE underscores the importance of freedom and safety of navigation through international sea lanes, straits used for international navigation, and other maritime chokepoints. These principles are essential to international peace and security, global trade, energy security, supply chains, and economic stability.
In this context, the UAE is deeply concerned by the grave threats to freedom and safety of navigation in the Arabian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital artery for the region and the world, including for international trade, energy markets, supply chains, and global economic stability. Any threat to freedom and safety of navigation in the Strait is therefore a threat not only to the States of the region, but to the international community as a whole.
In light of the announcement regarding the agreement reached between the United States of America and Iran, the UAE affirms the importance of prioritizing dialogue and diplomacy, adhering to international law, in a manner that reinforces regional security and stability, and ensuring full compliance with the provisions of the agreement, including the immediate and comprehensive cessation of hostilities in the region and the protection of maritime routes and freedom of international navigation, including the uninterrupted flow of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
In this regard, the UAE unequivocally condemns the threats, attacks, and destabilizing actions of the Islamic Republic of Iran, including those that endanger civilians and civilian infrastructure, energy facilities, commercial and merchant vessels, and the safety of seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz and other waterways used for international navigation. Such conduct is unacceptable and must be firmly rejected. International waterways that are vital to the global economy must never be used as instruments of coercion, escalation, or political pressure.
Mr. President,
The UAE reiterates that freedom and safety of navigation, and transit passage through straits used for international navigation must be fully respected in accordance with international law. The legal regime governing such straits, including the Strait of Hormuz, is essential to the stability of the international maritime order. Attempts to obstruct navigation, threaten commercial shipping, or disrupt the flow of trade and energy must be clearly and collectively rejected. We underline, in this regard, the decision of the International Maritime Organization Council of 19 March 2026 demanding that the Islamic Republic of Iran immediately refrain from any actions or threats aimed at closing, obstructing or otherwise interfering with international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz or against merchant of commercial vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
The UAE also recalls the continued relevance of Security Council resolution 552 of 1984, as well as resolution 2817 of 2026, concerning maritime security and the rights and freedoms of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. These resolutions reflect the clear interest of the international community in preserving the safety of navigation, protecting commercial shipping, and ensuring that international sea lanes remain open and secure. In particular, we underline the Security Council’s affirmation in resolution 2817 (2026) that any attempt to impede lawful transit passage or freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz or Bab Al Mandab constitutes a serious threat to international peace and security.
In this context, the UAE reiterates that threats or actions aimed at obstructing international navigation, undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, or resolving disputes through coercion are inconsistent with the Charter of the United Nations and international law.
The UAE also reaffirms its sovereignty over the three occupied UAE islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa, and renews its call for the Islamic Republic of Iran to end its occupation and to respond to the UAE’s call to peacefully resolve this dispute, either through direct negotiations or by referral to the International Court of Justice, in accordance with international law.
In conclusion, the UAE believes that ensuring the safety, security and stability of shipping in straits used for international navigation and in international sea lanes in general is a shared responsibility and an essential requirement for regional and international peace, security, and sustainable development.
The UAE remains committed to working with all States and partners to uphold maritime security, protect the marine environment, and strengthen respect for international law, including the law of at sea.
Thank you, Mr. President.