UAE calls for protecting maritime routes from any threats in Security Council meeting

The UAE statement stressed on the pivotal role that maritime transport plays in the global economy. (File: AFP)
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Updated 11 August 2021
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UAE calls for protecting maritime routes from any threats in Security Council meeting

DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates affirmed its commitment to regional and international efforts to confront threats to navigation during a meeting by the UN Security Council this week, according to state-run news agency WAM. 

The statement was submitted by the UAE to the high-level open debate on maritime security held by the Security Council, chaired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose country is chairing the council’s work this month. 

The UAE statement stressed on the pivotal role that maritime transport plays in the global economy, stressing that maritime security and environmental sustainability are interrelated, in light of the recent threats to maritime security in the Arabian Peninsula.

The statement stressed that the recent naval attacks not only affects this region but the entire world, given that about a third of the world's energy resources are transported by ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

It also noted that it is in the interest of all UN member states to work to confront any threats to maritime shipping routes because they are of direct affect on the global economy and security.


UN chief expresses deep concern over escalating Iran-US tensions

Updated 21 February 2026
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UN chief expresses deep concern over escalating Iran-US tensions

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for diplomatic engagement to resolve differences between the United States and Iran amid a surge in military activities and rhetoric across the Middle East, his spokesperson said on Friday.

“We are very concerned about the heightened rhetoric we’re seeing around the region by the heightened military activities, war games or just military, increased military, naval presence in the region. And we encourage both the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran to continue to engage in diplomacy in order to settle the differences,” said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for UN secretary-general.

The call for restraint follows a formal letter delivered on Thursday by Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran’s permanent representative to the UN, addressed to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council. Iravani emphasized that Iran is prepared to exercise its inherent right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, promising a decisive and proportionate response to any military aggression.

Iravani further warned that in such a scenario, all bases, facilities, and assets belonging to hostile forces in the Middle East would constitute legitimate targets for Iranian defensive measures. The envoy added that the United States would bear full and direct responsibility for any unforeseen and uncontrollable consequences resulting from further provocations.