UAE minister says 'no country should hold straits as hostage'

Reem Al Hashimy, UAE's Minister of State for International Cooperation, has asserted that "no country should be allowed to hold straits as hostage", while advocating for international governance on global passageways.

During an interview with Sky News, the UAE minister urged "regional partners" to come together to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open to all.

The current closure of the strait, she added goes beyond complications in energy and economy, but also constitutes a humanitarian crisis.

Al Hashmiy highlighted that the UAE has "demonstrated incredible resilience" during the Iranian attacks, adding that the country can "handle it" in the long term. 

"We feel pretty confident that we've managed to deal with the first couple of weeks of a barrage of missiles and drones in a very measured, very strong, and very successful manner," she said. 

The minister added that while the UAE is hopeful for a resolution, it is also prepared to respond regardless of the time it takes.

Speaking on the UAE's response tactics, the minister noted that the country has maintained a "measured and restrained approach" but will not allow itself to be a "victim of constant attack". 

The future of UAE-Iran ties remains on hold, as Al Hashimy noted that it is "too early to decide what will Iran look like down the line for us to come to that type of conclusion". 

The minister concluded by stating that the UAE's reputation as a safe and secure country was reinforced during the developments, emphasising that the country will "come out stronger and better on the other side".