UAE Minister Urges Global Action on Strait of Hormuz Blockade Amidst Escalating Regional Tensions
The United Arab Emirates has issued a stark warning and a fervent appeal to the international community, calling for decisive action to break Iran’s chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping artery. Lana Nusseibeh, UAE Minister of State, expressed grave concerns that Iran’s actions are holding the global economy hostage and threatening vital supply chains.
In a comprehensive interview conducted in Abu Dhabi, Minister Nusseibeh highlighted the far-reaching consequences of Iran’s disruptive behaviour. She stated unequivocally, “Iran must not be allowed to hold the global economy hostage by its rogue state behaviour.” The ongoing conflict, now in its third week, has intensified fears surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman. This vital passage accounts for approximately one-fifth of the world’s total oil supply, and any disruption sends significant shockwaves through global energy markets. Beyond the immediate impact on oil prices, the situation poses a growing threat to global food security.
Minister Nusseibeh elaborated on the global ramifications, explaining that the disruption of this crucial waterway has a ripple effect that extends far beyond the immediate region. “Globally, about 20% of the world’s energy supplies travel through that narrow waterway,” she noted.
“If that is disrupted, it has an impact on not only global energy prices but global food security and food supplies and that will also impact bills in grocery stores, bills in petrol stations, and the price of food,” the UAE minister emphasised.
The UAE, she assured, remains steadfast in its commitment to mitigating the impact of the developing global energy crisis. The nation is actively engaged in ensuring the stability of global energy markets. “In terms of energy supply, we are a responsible and committed supplier to the global energy market, and we will continue to do what we can,” Nusseibeh stated. The heightened sensitivity of energy markets to instability in the Gulf region, a direct consequence of the ongoing conflict, underscores the UAE’s central role in global supply chains.
Furthermore, the UAE is actively working to maintain its position as a stabilising force within global logistics networks. “We are a global logistics hub. We connect destinations from Dubai, for example, to over 155 destinations around the world,” Nusseibeh pointed out.
Navigating a Complex Geopolitical Landscape
Two weeks into the conflict, which has seen a significant increase in Iranian drone and missile attacks across the Gulf region and beyond, the UAE is engaged in a delicate balancing act. The nation’s response is primarily focused on two key objectives: defending its territory while simultaneously preventing the crisis from escalating into a broader regional war.
For governments in the Gulf, the strategic calculus is exceptionally complex. A forceful military response carries the significant risk of widening the confrontation with Iran, potentially drawing in a multitude of regional and international actors. Conversely, a perceived lack of decisive action could leave critical infrastructure and civilian populations vulnerable to further attacks.
Minister Nusseibeh underscored the immense challenge the UAE has faced, having absorbed the highest number of Iranian missile and drone attacks in the Middle East since the conflict began. “We’ve had an incredibly challenging 14 days,” she admitted. However, she also expressed pride in the UAE’s ability to maintain stability, noting that “life has pretty much gone back to near normal in the UAE.”
Diplomatic Efforts and National Resilience
According to Nusseibeh, who recently served as the UAE’s Ambassador to the UN, the current conflict erupted despite extensive diplomatic endeavours aimed at de-escalation. “We are two weeks into this conflict that we did not want to be drawn into. In fact, we were very engaged in diplomatic efforts prior to this escalation to try and avoid a conflict in the region,” she explained.
Since the onset of the attacks, the immediate priority for the UAE has been the protection of its residents, coupled with the assurance that the nation’s economy and daily life continue to function without undue disruption. “I think the priority right now is defending the country against these attacks and ensuring it does not disrupt normal life,” Nusseibeh told Euronews.
The UAE’s capacity to maintain stability, the minister asserted, is a testament to decades of preparedness for geopolitical uncertainty in the Gulf. “We have been preparing for various scenarios in a very turbulent region for decades, so these are not new plans,” she stated.
These preparations extend beyond mere military readiness. The nation has made substantial investments in economic resilience, robust logistics networks, and the security of its supply chains. “We’ve also built into system resilience in our food supply, in our market supply, in our access to global goods,” Nusseibeh added.
She also lauded the effectiveness of the country’s defence systems, stating, “our UAE air defence systems are best in class. They’re honed over decades of investment, practice in real battles around the world as part of coalitions.” Nusseibeh concluded this point by affirming, “The UAE Armed Forces have kept our communities and our residents safe.”
A Steadfast Stance and a Vision for Regional Stability
Despite the challenges, the UAE leadership remains resolute in its commitment to confronting all threats. “We don’t believe in military escalation, but we’re tough when what we have fought so hard to build is challenged, and we will be tough through this,” Minister Nusseibeh declared.
For the UAE leadership, the stakes extend beyond immediate security concerns. The nation views itself as a defender of a broader model of stability and coexistence in a region frequently plagued by conflict. “The red lines are the security, the prosperity, the well-being of our Emirati community and our expatriate community here,” Nusseibeh stated firmly. “We consider all of them part of this country, and they deserve our protection.”
