The UAE has expressed its strong approval of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) legal committee decision regarding the right of transit passage in the Strait of Hormuz. This resolution, adopted during the committee’s 113th session, categorically condemned Iran’s actions, which include blocking the Strait and threatening vessels in the region. The decision signifies a critical stance against regional threats and underlines the importance of unimpeded maritime navigation.
Condemnation of Iran’s Actions
The UAE welcomed the IMO legal committee’s resolution, which firmly denounced Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and its associated threats. These threats not only jeopardize maritime safety but also pose significant dangers to the territorial integrity of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations and Jordan. The committee’s statement addressed Iran’s attempts to lay mines in the Strait and its imposition of transit fees on vessels, actions that contradict the foundational principle of free navigation.
International Legal Obligations
The legal committee of the IMO reinforced that such actions violate the right of transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a right that must not be obstructed. The committee urged Iran to cease its aggressive actions and to remove any mines it may have planted in and around the strait. Furthermore, the body called for adherence to international law, emphasizing that maritime passage should occur without any hindrances.
Reinforcing Maritime Principles
His Excellency Mohamed Khamis Saeed Al Kaabi, the UAE’s permanent representative to the IMO, responded to the committee’s decision with optimism. He stated, “The legal committee today demonstrated a unified stance advocating for a maritime order built on principles and supporting the right of transit passage for vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.” His comments emphasized that the committee did not waver under Iran’s attempts to rationalize its unlawful actions and undermine the authority of the IMO.
Calls for Accountability
In alignment with the broader objectives of the IMO, the legal committee condemned Iran’s threats as contrary to the organization’s goals, highlighting the serious risks posed to human life, particularly for seafarers, as well as significant environmental threats. The legal committee demanded that Iran immediately refrain from any actions that could disrupt international shipping lanes or infringe upon the safety of maritime operations.
Additionally, the committee called upon the IMO Secretary-General to monitor incidents and the detrimental effects stemming from Iran’s actions on maritime navigation, seafarers, and the marine environment. Such monitoring is crucial for holding Iran accountable for its illegal conduct. This resolution follows a previous IMO facilitative committee decision made on March 27, 2026, which acknowledged serious concerns over Iran’s maritime aggression against commercial vessels and called for the establishment of a framework to ensure the safe evacuation of stranded ships in the region.