ADNOC CEO says Iran has no right to close the Strait of Hormuz, warns of global economic fallout
Abu Dhabi, April 13. UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC Group CEO Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber has said Iran has no legal authority to close or restrict the Strait of Hormuz, warning that any such move amounts to an attempt to disrupt the global economy.
In a post on X on April 12, Al Jaber described the blockade of the key maritime chokepoint as not merely a regional concern but “the disruption of a global economic lifeline and a direct threat to the energy, food and health security of every nation”. He added that setting such a precedent would be illegal, dangerous and unacceptable.
Since February 28, when Iran moved to restrict access through the strait, at least 22 vessels have reportedly been attacked, resulting in the deaths of 10 crew members. Around 20,000 seafarers are said to be unable to transit safely, while an estimated 800 commercial ships – including nearly 400 oil tankers – remain stranded.
Al Jaber had earlier called for the waterway to be reopened “with no strings attached”. Writing on LinkedIn, he said that despite the Pakistan-brokered ceasefire between Iran and the United States – which included provisions for reopening the passage – access continues to be “restricted, conditioned and controlled”.
He accused Iran of effectively “weaponising” the strait by making passage subject to permissions and political conditions, calling it a form of coercion that undermines freedom of navigation and threatens global trade stability.
Meanwhile, talks between the US and Iran that began on April 11 following the ceasefire collapsed by April 12 after more than 20 hours of negotiations in Islamabad, according to US Vice President JD Vance. Both delegations have since left the Pakistani capital, with no clarity on whether another round of talks will be held, even as Pakistani officials urge continued dialogue while the ceasefire remains in place.
