The United Arab Emirates (UAE) declares freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz to be a mandatory condition in any agreement to resolve the conflict between the US and Iran.
Mr. Anwar Gargash - Diplomatic Advisor to the UAE President - warned that an agreement if it does not restrain Iran's nuclear, missile and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) programs will push the Middle East into a "more dangerous and unstable" situation, The Japan Times reported on April 6.
Speaking at a press conference last weekend, Mr. Gargash emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz - the world's most important oil transport route - cannot be "weaponized" or become a hostage of any country.
Security of this route is an urgent requirement of the global economy, not a bargaining tool of the region. Freedom of navigation through this must be an inseparable part of resolving all conflicts," the advisor affirmed.
The above statements were made in the context of escalating regional tensions since the end of February. The US and Israel launched attacks targeting Iran's nuclear program. In response, Tehran used missiles and UAVs to attack Israel, the US and Gulf countries, including the UAE.
According to Mr. Gargash, Iran's escalation strategy is increasing tensions but also promoting military cohesion between the Gulf countries and the United States. He criticized Iranian leaders for prioritizing maintaining the regime over national stability.
The UAE representative reaffirmed its commitment to close security cooperation with the United States and acknowledged international support, especially from France. He also declared that the UAE is ready to participate in international efforts to protect the safety of key shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, in order to ensure the maintenance of global energy supplies.
