UAE Official Condemns Iranian Threats to Close Strait of Hormuz

Kathmandu. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the UAE Minister of Industry and head of Abu Dhabi's state oil company, has strongly opposed Iranian attempts to close the Strait of Hormuz. He stated that Iran does not have the authority to close or open the strait.

Reacting via social media, Al Jaber asserted that the strait has "never been under Iranian control" and that they have no right to close or restrict it. He described such actions as a "direct threat to global economic lifelines and energy, food, and health security."

Following the start of military operations by the US and Israel against Iran on February 28, Tehran reportedly threatened to "set fire" to ships using the waterway. This has led to a near-halt in oil and gas shipments, causing a sharp rise in international market prices.

Al Jaber warned, "Setting such a precedent is illegal, dangerous, and unacceptable. The world cannot afford such a situation and must not allow it to happen." The Strait of Hormuz is a vital route for global energy supply, accounting for nearly 20 percent of the world's oil supply.