UAE-Iran tensions and energy impact came into focus after Sultan Al Jaber said that Iran’s actions will not undermine the UAE’s resolve, while warning that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could have far-reaching consequences for the global economy.
Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, Al Jaber, who serves as Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Managing Director and Group CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, emphasized that the UAE is not a party to the ongoing conflict and continues to prioritise diplomacy.
“Iranian aggressions will not undermine our resolve,” he said, stressing that the country is not a party to the ongoing war in the region.
He added that the UAE is a sovereign state that formulates its policies based on its national priorities and its approach to supporting political solutions, noting that the nation “has been working diligently and very hard for diplomacy” to spare the region conflicts and wars.
Al Jaber also warned that any disruption to the Strait of Hormuz would have global implications beyond the region.
“By disrupting the Strait of Hormuz, Iran is waging a global economic war, not merely a regional issue,” he said, warning this would drive up inflation, slow economic growth, and raise the cost of living for families.
Despite the challenges, he reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to maintaining its role as a reliable energy supplier.
“Our operations have been impacted, and we will continue to do everything possible to mitigate the situation as we assess, location by location, product by product, and shipment by shipment. We will continue to act as a responsible, reliable energy supplier to the world.”
Al Jaber further added that the UAE’s energy sector remains resilient and capable of responding quickly once the situation stabilises.
“We will be in a position to quickly turn around and ramp up our production to go back and reach our capacities,” he said, stressing that the Iranian aggression will not undermine the UAE’s resolve.
The remarks highlight the UAE’s dual approach of maintaining operational resilience in its energy sector while continuing to advocate for diplomatic solutions amid rising geopolitical tensions, as global markets closely monitor developments in the Strait of Hormuz.
–Input WAM
