Iran targets tankers in ‘unprovoked attacks’ in Strait of Hormuz, UAE says
Qatar, Kuwait, Egypt and Bahrain issued statements Friday condemning an Iranian attack on two tankers affiliated with the United Arab Emirates’ state-owned energy company as they transited the Strait of Hormuz.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said it “strongly condemns the Iranian attack targeting two UAE oil tankers belonging to [the] Abu Dhabi National Oil Company that were crossing the Strait of Hormuz, considering it a severe violation of international law, the freedom of maritime navigation, and a clear violation of UN Security Council resolution 2817.”
The resolution, signed adopted in March, condemns Iran’s “egregious attacks” against its regional neighbors in the Middle East, according to the U.N.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs renews the State of Qatar’s firm rejection of using the Strait of Hormuz as leverage, calling in that regard on reopening the strait without conditions,” Qatar’s Foreign Ministry added.
Kuwait said it offered “full solidarity with the sisterly United Arab Emirates, and its standing by its side in all measures it takes to protect its security, sovereignty, and interests.”
Egypt said the attack “constitutes a threat to the security and safety of maritime navigation and the freedom of vessel movement in one of the world’s most vital international waterways,” the Strait of Hormuz.
Bahrain’s Foreign Ministry also said it “stressed the need for the U.N. Security Council to assume its responsibilities in taking firm and deterrent measures to compel Iran to immediately cease all hostile acts, respect freedom of navigation, and ensure the safety and security of commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and other international waterways, and not to use the Strait as a tool for pressure or economic blackmail, considering this a fundamental necessity for preserving energy security and the stability of food and medicine supplies, ensuring the flow of global trade, and consolidating security, stability and prosperity in the region and the world.”