The Strait of Hormuz. ARCHIVE

The UAE has strongly condemned a drone attack targeting a vessel affiliated with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Monday (May 4) that two drones were used in the attack, which it attributed to Iran, adding that no injuries were reported. In a statement, the ministry said the incident “constitutes a flagrant violation” of United Nations Security Council rules, which affirms the importance of freedom of navigation and prohibits targeting commercial vessels or obstructing international maritime routes. The UAE said the attack and similar actions represent “acts of piracy” by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps and pose a direct threat to regional stability, global energy security, and international trade. Authorities urged Iran to halt what they described as unprovoked attacks and to ensure the immediate cessation of hostilities. The UAE also called for the “complete and unconditional reopening” of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes. UAE raises concerns at UN Security Council The latest incident follows a broader diplomatic push by the UAE to address maritime security concerns. Speaking before the United Nations Security Council on Friday (May 1), Minister of State Khalifa bin Shaheen Al Marar called on the international community to hold Iran accountable for actions affecting navigation in the strait. “Allowing Iran to utilise this international Strait as a tool for leverage and political gain would undermine the stability and security required by the international order and global trade,” Al Marar said. He cited what he described as unlawful actions, including imposing illegal fees on vessels, threatening maritime traffic, laying mines, and discriminating against foreign ships. “Due to the economic coercion and the flagrant violations of international law, my country holds Iran responsible and affirms that Iran is fully liable to provide reparations for all damages,” he said. Al Marar warned that continued disruption of the Strait of Hormuz could have far-reaching global consequences, affecting supply chains, energy markets, and food security, particularly in developing nations. “Iran’s actions underscore the importance of collective action by the international community to reach a lasting solution,” he added. Ahead of the UN session, the UAE joined more than 90 countries in a joint statement led by Bahrain calling on Iran to immediately halt its actions and ensure unrestricted transit through the waterway in accordance with international law. Participating countries said the situation poses a serious threat to international security and freedom of navigation. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors, making any disruption a major concern for global trade and energy markets. ICA/Expat Media
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