Qatar Issues Urgent Alert on Strait of Hormuz Crisis

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

The State of Qatar has issued an urgent alert regarding the potential for a global economic and security crisis stemming from the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

During a Thursday briefing at the United Nations, Qatar's Permanent Representative to the UN, Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, addressed the significant implications of the disruption to this critical maritime route that has persisted since March. She highlighted that Gulf nations and the global community are facing mounting economic pressures as a result.

The focus of the briefing included discussions on a draft UN Security Council resolution pertaining to this vital waterway. Key representatives from the United States and members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, including Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, also participated in the media event.

Sheikha Alya noted that roughly 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade has been impacted due to the closure, with international supply chains experiencing significant disruptions and over 20,000 seafarers being stranded at sea.

The State of Qatar emphasized that the ongoing crisis poses a critical risk not only to global energy security and economic stability but also to humanitarian conditions and regional stability. It raises tensions, underscoring its potential threat to international peace and security.

Sheikha Alya reinforced that safeguarding freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is a collective international obligation under existing maritime law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Qatar expressed hope that UN member states would rally support for the proposed resolution designed to ensure safe navigation and protect maritime routes through this strategic waterway.