Adnoc chief says Strait of Hormuz must reopen without conditions

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, the UAE’s Minister of Industry & Advanced Technology and ADNOC's Managing Director & Group CEO, has called for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz with "no strings attached".

In a LinkedIn post, Dr Al Jaber said access to the strait is being "restricted, conditioned and controlled".

The strait has effectively been closed since the US-Israeli war began on February 28.

"Iran has made clear - through both its statements and actions - that passage is subject to permission, conditions and political leverage. That is not freedom of navigation. That is coercion," he wrote. 

Dr Al Jaber explained that the strait was "not built, engineered, financed or constructed by any state" adding that "it is a natural passage governed by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea that guarantees transit as a matter of right; not a privilege to be granted, withheld or weaponised".

"Every day the Strait remains restricted, the consequences compound. Supply is delayed, markets tighten, prices rise. The impact is felt beyond energy markets, in economies, industries and households worldwide. Every day matters. Every delay deepens the disruption."

He said around 230 vessels sit loaded with oil and ready to sail. 

Two Iranian attacks targeted Adnoc's Habshan gas complex, first on April 3 and then on April 8.

"The UAE has reiterated its position that following the substantial and illegal attacks on UAE civil and energy infrastructure, Iran must be held accountable and fully liable for damages and reparations," Dr Al Jaber noted.

He added that "at ADNOC, we have loaded cargoes and we will expand production within the constraints of the damage we have suffered".