NEW YORK, United States – The United Arab Emirates expressed deep disappointment at the Security Council’s failure to take decisive action to address the serious global repercussions of Iran’s illegal closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Failure to adopt a draft resolution submitted by the Kingdom of Bahrain on behalf of the UAE, the State of Kuwait, the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, with the aim of protecting freedom of navigation in the Strait.
The UAE expressed its appreciation to the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain for its diplomatic efforts and leadership of this project.
blatant Iranian aggression
Since February 28, 2026, Iran has carried out at least 21 direct attacks on commercial ships. This resulted in the death of more than 10 crew members. Meanwhile, about 20,000 sailors are still stranded on their ships and unable to cross safely due to Iranian threats.
The draft resolution was based directly on Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), which condemned Iran’s treacherous attacks and threats against the UAE and neighboring countries. And also any measures or threats aimed at closing, obstructing or interfering with international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The resolution stressed that the countries of the region are not a party to broader conflicts and should not be dragged into them. Despite this clear message, Iran continued its treacherous and unjustified attacks against commercial ships in direct defiance of Security Council resolutions.
Right of transit through the strait
The draft resolution stressed the need not to impede the right of transit passage through the Strait, and encouraged countries to coordinate their efforts of a defensive nature to ensure the safety and security of navigation. He also condemned any attempt to obstruct international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, and called on Iran to immediately stop its attacks against commercial ships and any attempts to undermine freedom of navigation.
Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026) also affirmed that states have the right to defend their ships against attacks and provocations in accordance with international law. Including those that undermine the rights and freedom of navigation. The draft resolution focused on urging countries to coordinate defense efforts to promote and protect freedom of navigation.
Her Excellency Lana Nasiba, Minister of State, said: “Iran is holding the entire world hostage by closing the Strait of Hormuz”. Closing a vital sea corridor is an attack on every household with a higher fuel cost, and every farmer facing rising fertilizer costs. Every country depends on freedom of navigation. The UAE will not stand idly by. We will continue to work with our international partners, inside and outside the United Nations, to reopen the Strait and ensure that economic terrorism does not determine the cost of food and fuel for the people of the world. The international community must act now to reopen the strait and restore stability in global markets.
His Excellency Mohammed Abu Shehab, Permanent Representative of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations, said: “No country should have the ability to disrupt the arteries of global trade”. The Security Council had to fulfill its responsibility but failed to do so. The Strait of Hormuz cannot turn into a bargaining chip in Iran’s hands or a tool in the context of broader political calculations.
Security Council Resolution No. 2817 – a resolution that received unprecedented support from 136 countries – affirmed the illegality of Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and condemned the treacherous Iranian attacks on the UAE and neighboring countries.
international condemnation
In its resolution issued on March 19, 2026, the IMO Council also condemned Iranian threats and attacks against commercial ships in and around the Strait of Hormuz, sponsored by more than 115 member states. In a precedent that is considered the highest in the history of the Council. The UAE calls on all countries to fully implement Resolution 2817 and take urgent measures to ensure the immediate reopening of the strait.
The UAE, along with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Jordan, continues its intensive diplomatic efforts with all members of the Security Council. The country affirms its firm commitment to joint action to protect maritime security and ensure the flow of global trade. It will also continue to engage constructively in international tracks. In line with international law and the United Nations Charter, to address this crisis and protect the global economy.
Despite the outcome of Tuesday’s Security Council vote, there remains broad international consensus on the seriousness of this crisis and the urgent need to protect freedom of navigation.
