Dubai: The United Arab Emirates welcomes the decision of the International Maritime Organisation's (IMO) Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) to adopt a resolution during its 111th session, which was proposed by the UAE and co-sponsored by many member States.

According to Emirates News Agency, the resolution reflects grave concern over Iran's use of drones, missiles, and sea mines around the Strait of Hormuz, posing a significant threat to safe navigation and seafarers. Iran's actions have resulted in the deaths of at least eleven seafarers and stranded over 20,000 seafarers. The resolution underscores the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation for commercial ships in the Arabian Sea and Sea of Oman and upholds the right of transit passage in these critical international waterways. Member States are encouraged to coordinate efforts to ensure the safe navigation of commercial and merchant vessels in the region.

The resolution includes appreciation for the IMO Secretary-General's commitment to seafarers' safety and requests States to support efforts to safely evacuate trapped merchant ships using the IMO-recognised maritime route. Additionally, States are urged to provide essential supplies to ships unable to leave the area.

During the MSC session, the UAE, along with Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, issued a statement rejecting Iran's proposed alternative route for transiting the Strait of Hormuz and its establishment of a 'Persian Gulf Strait Authority.' This entity's recent claims of jurisdiction over the territorial waters of neighboring States, including the UAE, were condemned as violations of sovereignty.

The rejection of Iran's actions by Member States is based on their violation of international law and undermining of the IMO's role in ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The resolution encourages continued use of the IMO-recognised maritime route through coordination among flag States, shipowners, and operators.

Suhail Mohammed Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, praised the resolution, stating that the international community has clearly opposed Iran's actions and their impact on navigational safety. He emphasized the UAE's commitment to the safety and well-being of the stranded seafarers and called for continued efforts from IMO Member States and international organizations.