UAE Minister Urges Global Action Against Iran’s Strait of Hormuz Blockade
The United Arab Emirates is calling on the international community to intervene and compel Iran to cease its detrimental actions that are threatening the crucial Strait of Hormuz shipping waterway. Lana Nusseibeh, UAE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has issued a stark warning, stating that Iran must not be permitted to leverage its “rogue state behaviour” to hold the global economy hostage.
The ongoing conflict involving Iran has intensified, with concerns mounting over Iran’s potential to blockade the Strait of Hormuz. This narrow maritime passage, situated between Iran and Oman, is a vital artery for global trade, responsible for transporting approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. Disruptions to this waterway are already sending ripples of instability through global energy markets and are posing a significant threat to international food security.
Minister Nusseibeh highlighted the far-reaching consequences of any disruption, emphasising that “globally, about 20% of the world’s energy supplies travel through that narrow waterway.” She elaborated on the immediate impact, explaining that such a disruption would directly affect not only global energy prices but also the availability and cost of food worldwide. “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 Minister stated.
UAE’s Commitment to Global Energy and Logistics
In response to the escalating global energy crisis, the UAE is maintaining its steadfast commitment to ensuring stability in 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 affirmed.
The sensitivity of energy markets to instability in the Gulf region has been acutely demonstrated since the current conflict erupted. The UAE’s pivotal role in global supply chains underscores the importance of maintaining peace and security in the region. Beyond energy, the UAE is also playing a crucial role as a stabilising force in global logistics networks. “We are a global logistics hub. We connect destinations from Dubai, for example, to over 155 destinations around the world,” Nusseibeh noted.
Navigating a Complex Geopolitical Landscape
Two weeks into the conflict, which has seen Iranian drone and missile attacks impacting the wider Gulf region, the UAE is navigating a delicate balancing act. The nation is focused on defending its territory while simultaneously striving to prevent the crisis from escalating into a broader regional war.
For governments across the Gulf, the strategic calculus is exceptionally complex. A robust military response carries the inherent risk of widening the confrontation with Iran, potentially drawing in a multitude of regional and international players. Conversely, a failure to respond decisively could leave critical infrastructure and civilian populations exposed to further attacks.
Resilience Amidst Attacks
Minister Nusseibeh underscored the significant challenges 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 confidence in the UAE’s ability to maintain stability, noting that “life has pretty much gone back to near normal in the UAE.”
According to Nusseibeh, who previously served as the UAE’s ambassador to the UN, the current conflict arose despite extensive diplomatic endeavours to avert 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.”
The immediate priority since the attacks commenced has been the protection of residents, alongside the assurance that the country’s economy and daily life continue to function without significant disruption. “I think the priority right now is defending the country against these attacks and ensuring it does not disrupt normal life,” Nusseibeh stated.
Decades of Preparedness
The UAE’s capacity to maintain stability in the face of such challenges is attributed to decades of meticulous preparation for geopolitical uncertainties in the Gulf. “We have been preparing for various scenarios in a very turbulent region for decades, so these are not new plans,” she explained.
These preparations encompass more than just military readiness. The nation has made substantial investments in economic resilience, robust logistics networks, and secure 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. “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,” she said, acknowledging that “The UAE Armed Forces have kept our communities and our residents safe.”
Defending a Model of Stability
Despite the ongoing threats, Nusseibeh emphasised the UAE leadership’s unwavering resolve to confront all challenges. “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.”
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 declared. “We consider all of them part of this country, and they deserve our protection.”
