'Economic coercion': Reem Al Hashimy calls attempt to obstruct Strait of Hormuz unacceptable

Fri, Apr 03, 2026 | Shawwal 15, 1447 | Fajr 04:50 [Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid US-Israel-Iran war for the latest regional developments.] Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy, minister of state for international cooperation, participated today in a virtual meeting of foreign ministers on the Strait of Hormuz, hosted by Yvette Cooper, UK minister of state for foreign, Commonwealth and development affairs. Al Hashimy stressed the seriousness of the current phase in the region, noting that since February 28, the UAE has been subjected to 'treacherous Iranian terrorist attacks' involving more than 2,500 ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones, most of which targeted civilian infrastructure. She added that the UAE was not a party to the war and had sought to avoid it, making intensive efforts in recent months to prevent escalation. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp channels. She underlined that Iranian attacks against commercial vessels in the Arabian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz amount to economic warfare and piracy, representing a blatant violation of state sovereignty and territorial integrity and exposing vital shipping lanes to serious economic, humanitarian and environmental risks. Al Hashimy emphasised that any attempt to close or obstruct navigation or use the strait as a tool of economic coercion is unacceptable, lacks legal basis and poses a direct threat to freedom of international maritime navigation, the safety of sailors, the global economy and energy security. She warned that disruptions to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz have already led to a decline in ship traffic, posing significant risks to global energy markets, maritime transport and international supply chains. Al Hashimy highlighted that the Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important strategic waterways, through which essential goods pass. The Gulf supplies 25% of global natural gas production, 20% of global oil, and 70% of the world’s petrochemical needs. She also noted that 33% of global fertiliser exports come from Gulf countries, meaning any threat to the strait or disruption of supplies poses a direct risk to global food security at a time when millions already face rising food shortages. She added that the consequences of disrupted navigation would not be limited to developing or fragile states, as many advanced economies rely on vital materials transported through the strait, exposing the entire world to widespread risks. Al Hashimy reaffirmed the UAE’s support for international efforts to protect freedom of navigation, including UN Security Council Resolution 2817 and decisions by the International Maritime Organization. In this context, she welcomed Bahrain’s draft resolution submitted to the UN Security Council, noting the UAE’s support for the initiative aimed at enhancing maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and stressing that the strait is an international waterway that should not be subject to unilateral restrictions imposed by any state. She reiterated the UAE’s call on Iran to immediately halt its threats and 'terrorist' attacks, comply with international law obligations, respect freedom of navigation, and allow commercial vessels to sail safely. Al Hashimy also stressed the need to address all Iranian threats comprehensively, including nuclear capabilities, ballistic missiles, drones, proxy groups in the region, and attempts to blockade international maritime routes. ©2026 Galadari Printing and Publishing LLC. All rights reserved.