Emirati Expert Asserts UAE Will Not Accept Iranian Control Over Hormuz
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- ‘We won't surrender’: De-escalation won't stop Iranian attacks, Emirati expert says - interview
- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi on Tuesday said the entirety of the inbound shipping lane and the majority of the outbound shipping lane should be entirely under Iranian control.
- Zaabi made it clear that the UAE had no intention of accepting Oman’s proposal to allow Iran control over 50% of the waterway.
- The three islands in the Strait of Hormuz that were taken under Iranian occupation since 1971 – Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb – were reason enough to oppose the plan, he said.
- “The three islands in Hormuz are our islands, and we claim them, and they killed Emirati people when they took them in 1971, so we are not okay with their policy,” he added.
In a recent interview, Emirati expert Al-Zaabi firmly rejected Iranian claims over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, asserting that the UAE will not accept any proposals allowing Iranian control over the vital waterway.
This statement follows Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi's assertion that Iran should have control over the entire inbound shipping lane and most of the outbound shipping lane, a position that has escalated tensions in the region.
Al-Zaabi highlighted the historical context of the three islands—Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb—that Iran has occupied since 1971, stating that these islands are a significant reason for the UAE's opposition to any plan that would grant Iran control.
He emphasized the UAE's strategic importance as a global re-export powerhouse, arguing that limiting shipping routes would be detrimental to the UAE's economic interests. The Emirati expert's comments come amid a backdrop of increasing Iranian assertiveness in the region, as Iran has recently abandoned earlier proposals for a shared control of the waterway with Oman.
Al-Zaabi's stance reflects a broader sentiment within the UAE that it will not surrender its claims or allow Iranian dominance in such a critical maritime corridor, which is essential for global trade and energy supplies.
- The UAE's firm stance against Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz is crucial for maintaining the security of vital shipping routes that are essential for global oil trade.
- If Iran were to gain control over this strategic waterway, it could lead to increased shipping costs and disruptions, directly impacting economies reliant on oil imports, particularly in Europe and Asia.
- Furthermore, the UAE's refusal to accept any Iranian claims reinforces its commitment to regional sovereignty, which could embolden other Gulf states to adopt similar positions, potentially escalating tensions further in an already volatile region.
- Watch for a statement from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs within 72 hours, outlining their strategic response to Iranian activities in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Anticipate a joint military exercise announcement from the UAE and allied Gulf states before the upcoming June summit, aimed at demonstrating regional security cooperation.
- Expect Iran to respond with a public declaration regarding its naval operations in the Strait of Hormuz within the next week, potentially escalating the rhetoric.
- Keep an eye on the U.S. State Department for any new sanctions or diplomatic measures against Iran in response to its actions in the region, likely to be announced by the end of the month.
- Look for a potential meeting between UAE and U.S. officials to discuss security strategies in the Gulf, which could be scheduled within the next two weeks.
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