The United Arab Emirates rejected a proposal from Iran regarding navigation through the Strait of Hormuz in April 2024 [1].
This refusal highlights the deep mistrust between the two regional powers over the security of one of the world's most critical oil transit chokepoints. The UAE maintains that maritime sovereignty is non-negotiable and requires international legal frameworks, rather than bilateral agreements with Tehran.
Presidential Adviser Anwar Gargash said that no unilateral Iranian arrangement can be trusted to guarantee navigation through the Strait of Hormuz [1]. He said that the UAE will not compromise on its maritime sovereignty and said that collective global pressure and international law are necessary to secure the waterway [1].
These diplomatic tensions follow a period of military escalation in the region. During efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. forces reported sinking several small boats that were targeting civilian ships. Reports on the exact number of vessels destroyed vary, with Newsday reporting six boats [2] while CBS News cited seven [3].
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that a ceasefire was holding despite Iranian attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and against the UAE [4]. However, the extent of those attacks remains a point of contention. While some reports indicate Iran launched attacks on the UAE and tankers [2], President Trump downplayed the incidents, saying Iran only took some shots and caused no harm beyond a South Korean vessel [1].
The UAE continues to advocate for a multilateral approach to security. By rejecting Iran's unilateral plan, Abu Dhabi signals that it views the stability of the Gulf as a global concern that cannot be left to the discretion of a single regional actor.
“No unilateral Iranian arrangement can be trusted to guarantee navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.”
The UAE's rejection of Iran's proposal underscores a strategic shift toward relying on international coalitions and global maritime law rather than regional deals. By insisting on collective security, the UAE seeks to prevent Iran from exercising unilateral control over the Strait of Hormuz, which would grant Tehran significant leverage over global energy markets and regional trade.
