UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed told his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on Friday that the flow of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz must not be interrupted, following an incident where a ship using a UN-approved corridor in the waterway came under fire.
Diplomatic Call Amid Tensions
During a phone call reported by the Emirates' state news agency, Sheikh Abdullah stressed the importance of fully complying with an initial agreement signed last week between Washington and Tehran to end their conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This agreement includes the protection of maritime corridors and freedom of international navigation, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of maritime traffic through the strait.
Sheikh Abdullah also highlighted other areas of the agreement for Iran to follow, including the immediate and comprehensive cessation of hostilities in the region, respect for the sovereignty of states, and the principles of good neighborliness.
Background of the Conflict
The UAE, along with other Gulf countries, was targeted by waves of Iranian drone and missile attacks during the conflict that started on Feb. 28 when Israel and the US launched a bombing campaign against Iran. Tehran also blocked ships from passing through the Strait of Hormuz at the entrance to the Arabian Gulf, cutting off a waterway through which a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas are shipped.
The memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran launched a 60-day period for the two sides to iron out major issues, including Iran's nuclear program. Sheikh Abdullah expressed hope that the negotiations would yield positive outcomes, leading to lasting security and stability in the region.
Regional and International Reactions
Gulf foreign ministers said on Thursday that the Strait of Hormuz must be reopened fully with free, unconditional, and unrestricted navigation, which they deemed essential to regional and global security. Their meeting in Bahrain was attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who stated that Iran would not be allowed to impose tolls for ships using the waterway, something Iran has indicated it wants to do.
US officials told Reuters that Iran fired on a ship on Thursday as it sailed along a temporary UN-backed corridor near Oman's coast, underscoring the fragility of the situation.
