NEW YORK, United States – Khalifa Shahin Marar, Minister of State, called for the immediate and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. In addition to holding Iran fully accountable for its illegal obstruction of international navigation. This came during a speech before the high-level open discussion of the UN Security Council on the safety and protection of sea lanes, which was held under the chairmanship of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
In this regard, Al-Marar said: “In recent years, the Council has taken important steps to address a number of developments that threaten maritime security. Perhaps the most prominent of these is the recent efforts he made in the context of Iran’s brutal attacks on the Gulf states and Jordan. And the threats resulting from the Islamic Republic of Iran’s deliberate obstruction of maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. This was done by adopting Resolution 2817, which condemned any measures or threats by Iran aimed at closing, obstructing, or interfering in maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz».
He added: “The recent decisions issued by the International Maritime Organization Council, its Legal Committee, and the United Nations Human Rights Council regarding Iran’s actions in the Strait once again reflect the position of the international community regarding Iran’s demand to stop its illegal actions in the Strait of Hormuz and its surroundings”. Ensuring that the strait remains open and that transit passage through it is unrestricted, in accordance with international law.
Undermining stability and security
Al-Marar stressed that “allowing Iran to use this international strait as a pressure tool and to achieve political gains would undermine the stability and security required by the international system and global trade.” Pointing out that if Iran is allowed to continue closing the strait, this would set a dangerous precedent that would undermine freedom of navigation in vital international waterways around the world.
He reviewed before the Council the treacherous violations committed by Iran. Including imposing illegal fees on passing ships, launching terrorist attacks and threats against navigation, planting mines, and practicing discrimination between foreign ships. In clear violation of relevant international resolutions, especially Security Council Resolution No. 2817.
He said: “In light of this economic coercion and flagrant violations of international law, my country holds Iran responsible and affirms that Iran is obligated to provide compensation for all damages resulting from its internationally wrongful actions. Including the implications of this behaviour for the sea and the marine environment.”
Serious consequences of closure
Al-Marar stressed that, given the vital importance of this strait, the consequences of its closure have already begun to appear globally and will be profound and far-reaching. Including energy security, supply chains, food security and fertilizers necessary for agriculture. Especially in the countries of the Global South. Pointing out that the effects are extremely serious on the international economy.
He said: “Iran’s practices underscore the need for collective action by the international community to reach a lasting solution that guarantees freedom of navigation and the right of transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz unconditionally and in a sustainable manner”. Stressing that the UAE is ready to participate in efforts aimed at ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, in accordance with the provisions of international law.
Prior to the discussion, Al-Marar participated in a press conference chaired by Dr. Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain, with the participation of representatives from more than 90 countries. The participating countries sent a unified message to the international community about the need for Iran to immediately put an end to its illegal measures in the Strait of Hormuz and its surroundings. Ensuring that the strait remains open and maintaining freedom of transit through it without restrictions, in accordance with international law.
The participating countries stressed that Iran’s closure of the strait and its continued attacks constitute a threat to international security and the rights and freedom of navigation. With its repercussions at the global level.
