The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is opposing Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz, stating that this key sea route for oil and gas "was never Iran's to close or restrict", writes the BBC.
Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the UAE's industry minister and head of the state-owned Abu Dhabi Oil Company, said on social media: "Any attempt to do this is not a regional issue; it is the disruption of a vital global economic artery and a direct threat to the energy, food and health security of every nation."
Since the US and Israel launched military action against Iran on February 28, Tehran has threatened to “set fire” to ships if they try to use the waterway. This has led to a near-total halt in shipments and has driven up global oil and gas prices.
Al Jaber said: "Setting such a precedent is illegal, dangerous and unacceptable. The world simply cannot afford it and must not allow it."
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