The United Arab Emirates has welcomed the decision made by the Legal Committee of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) during its 113th session. This decision strongly condemned Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, along with its attacks and threats toward vessels in the region. The committee also expressed concerns about Iran’s aggression toward the territories of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Jordan. Furthermore, the committee denounced Iran’s threats related to laying mines in the Strait and its imposition of fees on passing vessels, as highlighted in reports addressing this matter. This decisive action underscores the importance of affirming the right of transit passage through this critical maritime chokepoint.
Significance of the Decision
The Legal Committee of the IMO affirmed in its decision, proposed by the UAE, that such actions conflict with the right of innocent passage in the strait. This fundamental right must not be obstructed, prompting the committee to call upon Iran to cease its attacks and remove any sea mines it may have laid in the strait and its surrounding areas. The committee urged Tehran to adhere to its obligations under international law, particularly in ensuring the unhindered passage of ships through the strait.
Statements from UAE Officials
His Excellency Mohammed Khamees Saeed Al-Kaabi, the UAE’s permanent representative to the IMO, praised the committee’s decision, stating: “The Legal Committee has today demonstrated a unified stance in defense of a maritime order based on principles, affirming the right of transit passage for vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The committee was not swayed by Iran’s attempts to justify its unlawful actions or undermine the authority of the IMO and its procedures. The international community has firmly asserted, through the committee’s work, the right of transit passage in this vital international waterway.”
International Implications
Reflecting the council’s position, the Legal Committee condemned Iran’s attacks and threats, recognizing them as inconsistent with the aims of the IMO and posing a significant risk to lives, particularly those of seafarers. It also highlighted the serious threat these actions pose to the marine environment, urging Iran to immediately refrain from any actions or threats that would aim to close or obstruct international shipping in the region in any manner.
Future Monitoring and Accountability
The Legal Committee called on the IMO secretary-general to monitor incidents and the adverse impacts resulting from Iran’s actions on international navigation, seafarers, the marine environment, trade, and logistics services. This initiative aims to hold Iran accountable for its unlawful conduct. The committee’s decision follows an earlier resolution by the IMO Facilitation Committee on March 27, 2026, which acknowledged the serious concerns raised by the Council regarding the severe implications of Iran’s blatant attacks on commercial vessels within international maritime navigation, urging the secretary-general to take necessary steps toward creating a framework for the safe evacuation of commercial ships stranded in the region.
Through these measures, the UAE reinforces its commitment to maintaining maritime security and ensuring that the right of transit passage in the Strait of Hormuz is upheld for the benefit of all nations.