UAE Applauds IMO Council's Decisive Action Against Iran's Maritime Threats
The United Arab Emirates has expressed its strong approval of a landmark decision by the International Maritime Organization's Council, which took place during its 36th extraordinary session. This decision includes a forceful condemnation of Iranian threats and attacks targeting vessels, as well as Iran's purported attempts to close the Strait of Hormuz. The UAE emphasizes that such actions are directly contrary to the core purposes of the IMO and pose a severe danger to human life, particularly that of seafarers, while also creating a serious risk to the marine environment.
Global Consensus Against Iran's Breach of International Law
In a powerful display of international unity, the IMO Council further condemned in the strongest terms Iran's attacks against the Gulf Cooperation Council States and Jordan. The Council labeled these attacks as a clear breach of established international law, underscoring the gravity of the situation. The declaration was formally tabled by the UAE and received unprecedented support, being co-sponsored by over 115 IMO Member States. This marks the highest number of co-sponsors in the history of the organization, highlighting the widespread global impact and condemnation of Iran's aggressive actions.
This overwhelming support reflects the international community's shared responsibility to safeguard the freedom of navigation in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
IMO Council's Demands and Reaffirmation of Navigational Rights
With this decisive move, the IMO Council has issued a direct demand to Iran, calling for an immediate cessation of any actions or threats aimed at closing, obstructing, or otherwise interfering with international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. This includes any hostile activities against merchant or commercial vessels operating in and around the Strait. The Council has also reaffirmed the critical principle that the exercise of navigational rights and freedoms by such vessels must be fully respected and protected under international norms.
The IMO Council placed particular emphasis on the paramount importance of preserving the safety and welfare of seafarers, who are often the most vulnerable in such conflicts. Additionally, the Council recalled United Nations Security Council resolution 2817 (2026), which affirmed that any attempt to impede lawful transit passage or freedom of navigation through international waterways, such as the Strait of Hormuz, constitutes a serious threat to international peace and security.
Proposals for Enhanced Maritime Security and Evacuation
The declaration urges the various IMO committees to thoroughly consider the implications of this escalating situation for the implementation of IMO instruments and to take appropriate action to address the challenges. In a related development, the UAE has welcomed the adoption by the Council of a proposal put forward by Japan. This proposal encourages the establishment of a framework for a maritime security corridor, designed to facilitate the safe evacuation of seafarers from the Strait of Hormuz in times of crisis, thereby enhancing humanitarian efforts.
Mohamed Khamis Saeed AlKaabi, the Permanent Representative of the UAE to the IMO, warmly welcomed the Council Declaration. He stated, "The Council, and the international community as a whole, spoke in clear terms today to demand that Iran respect its obligations under international law and allow merchant and commercial vessels to navigate freely and safely through the Strait of Hormuz, an essential international waterway to energy supply and global economy."
Strategic and Economic Significance of the Strait of Hormuz
The UAE has underscored that the Strait of Hormuz is not merely a vital energy corridor through which a significant share of the world's oil and gas supplies pass. It is also a critical artery for global trade, facilitating the transport of essential goods such as fertilizers, minerals, petrochemicals, and other commodities. Any disruption to this maritime route carries far-reaching consequences for global markets, economic stability, and the cost of living worldwide, with particularly severe impacts on vulnerable regions.
The UAE reiterates that any attempt to use the Strait as a tool of economic coercion or to threaten international shipping is utterly unacceptable. Such actions risk undermining both regional stability and the broader global economic order, creating ripple effects that could destabilize international relations.
Commitment to Multilateral Engagement and Stability
The UAE remains steadfast in its commitment to engage actively in all relevant multilateral forums to effectively address the impacts of Iran's unlawful actions. The threat to maritime security and the freedom of navigation posed by these activities deeply undermines regional and international stability, necessitating a coordinated and robust response from the global community. The UAE's proactive stance in tabling the declaration and garnering widespread support demonstrates its leadership in promoting maritime safety and upholding international law.
