UAE welcomes IMO resolution on Strait of Hormuz safety

The UAE has welcomed a new resolution adopted by the International Maritime Organisation's (IMO) Maritime Safety Committee condemning threats to shipping safety in and around the Strait of Hormuz.

The resolution, proposed by the UAE and backed by several member states, raises serious concern over Iran’s use of drones, missiles and sea mines in the region — attacks that have reportedly killed at least 11 seafarers and left more than 20,000 stranded.

It also stresses the importance of keeping commercial shipping routes in the Arabian Sea and Sea of Oman open and secure, while calling on countries to coordinate efforts to protect navigation through one of the world’s busiest waterways.

The resolution requests States to support the efforts of the IMO Secretary-General to facilitate the safe evacuation of merchant ships trapped within the Gulf to a safe place, using the IMO-recognised maritime route.

States are also urged to ensure continuous provision for water, food, fuel and other essential supplies to ships currently unable to leave the region.

During the meeting, the UAE, along with Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, also rejected Iran’s proposed alternative route for transiting through the Strait of Hormuz, and a so-called 'Persian Gulf Strait Authority', saying both violate international law and threaten regional sovereignty.

Suhail Mohammed Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said the resolution sends a clear message against actions that endanger maritime safety and stressed that protecting stranded seafarers remains a top priority.

UAE welcomes IMO Maritime Safety Committee decision promoting safe navigation in Gulf Region in response to Iran’s threats#WamNews https://t.co/PnC3PpdhOr pic.twitter.com/RbvfJtfqHA

— WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) May 22, 2026