UAE will continue to work with partners to reopen Strait and restore stability to global markets - UAE Ambassador to UN

ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)

Ambassador Mohamed Abushahab, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the UN has expressed his disapppointment at the United Nations Security Council's failure to adopt a draft resolution demanding that Iran immediately cease all attacks against commercial vessels and refrain from any attempts to obstruct freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

The draft resolution, submitted by Bahrain, received the support of 11 countries, however both Russia and China used their veto power. Pakistan and Colombia abstained from voting.

The draft resolution called on concerned states using commercial navigation routes to coordinate defensive efforts to ensure the safety and security of ships.

It also emphasised the right of states to defend their vessels against attacks, demanding that Iran immediately cease all attacks against commercial ships and civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas facilities and water stations.

Abushahab said the Strait cannot be used as a bargaining chip to achieve geopolitical objectives, and affirmed that the UAE will continue to work with partners to reopen the waterway and restore stability to global markets.

"No country should have the power to shut down the arteries of global commerce," he said in an official statement on X.

"The Council had a responsibility to act today, but failed to do so due to the negative vote of two Permanent members who chose to shield Iran from accountability — at the expense of global trade, energy and food security, and the rule of law.

"The UAE expresses its gratitude to the Kingdom of Bahrain for its stewardship of this draft resolution and reiterates that the Strait of Hormuz cannot become a bargaining chip for Iran, nor a lever in wider global politics.

"Iran should be under no illusion: the world is watching, the pressure will not relent, and the Strait of Hormuz will reopen. The UAE will continue to work with partners to reopen the Strait and restore stability to global markets."