UAE minister calls for halting attempts to disrupt commercial shipping in Hormuz

A United Arab Emirates (UAE) minister of state has emphasized any attempts to disrupt commercial shipping and attacks on civilians in the Strait of Hormuz must stop. UAE State Minister Saeed Bin Mubarak Al Hajeri made the remarks in a recent written interview with Yonhap News Agency as a Korean-operated vessel was struck by two unidentified airborne objects while stranded in the chokepoint last week. "There is broad international consensus that freedom of navigation in the Strait must be preserved, that Iran must immediately cease its threats, mine-laying, and drone and missile attacks, and cease any attempt to disrupt commercial shipping through the Strait," the minister said. "The international community will not tolerate attacks on sovereignty, civilians or critical infrastructure," he said, stressing the UAE's commitment to working with partners to safeguard maritime security and ensure the safe passage of the waterway. Since U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran in February, Iran has effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global energy supplies and logistics through the strategic

Original source: Korea Times