The United Arab Emirates issued a joint statement, signed by Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia during a meeting of the Maritime Safety Committee of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), reaffirming their categorical rejection of the alternative route proposed by Iran for transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
The UAE and the signatory countries also expressed their rejection of Iran’s establishment of the so-called “Persian Gulf Strait Authority,” which has been misleadingly portrayed as a sovereign entity responsible for managing vessel traffic in the strait.
The latest announcement issued by this alleged authority included unacceptable claims regarding its purported jurisdiction, blatantly extending to the territorial waters of neighboring countries, including the UAE, in clear violation of those states’ sovereignty.
The countries stressed that their rejection of the Iranian route and the alleged authority is based on the fact that both constitute violations of international law and freedom of navigation, while also undermining the role of the IMO, which has proven effective in facilitating safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
In this context, the latest IMO resolution supporting freedom of navigation in the Gulf encourages coordination among flag states, ship owners, and operators to ensure the continued use of the maritime route approved by the organization.
For his part, Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, praised the adopted resolution, stating that “through the adoption of this resolution, the international community has once again clearly expressed its rejection of Iran’s unlawful actions and their serious impact on maritime safety and the security of seafarers.”
Al Mazrouei stressed that “ensuring the safety and welfare of more than 20,000 seafarers stranded due to Iran’s unlawful actions remains a top priority for the UAE, and IMO member states and relevant international organizations must continue making every effort to achieve this.”
The UAE welcomed the resolution adopted during the 111th session of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee, which was proposed by the UAE and received broad support and co-sponsorship from numerous member states.
Through the resolution, member states expressed grave concern over Iran’s use of drones, missiles, and naval mines in and around the Strait of Hormuz, describing them as a serious threat to maritime navigation and seafarers.
Iran’s attacks, the statement noted, have so far resulted in the deaths of at least 11 seafarers and left more than 20,000 stranded.
The resolution emphasized the critical importance of preserving freedom of navigation for commercial vessels in the Arabian Sea and the Sea of Oman, as well as the right of transit passage through one of the world’s most vital international waterways. It also called on states to take coordinated steps to ensure the safety of commercial and cargo vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
The resolution further expressed appreciation for the IMO Secretary-General’s commitment to safeguarding seafarers and urged states to support efforts aimed at facilitating the safe evacuation of stranded commercial vessels inside the Gulf to secure locations using the IMO-approved maritime route.
It also called on states to ensure the continued provision of water, food, fuel, and other essential supplies to ships still unable to leave the region.