The United Arab Emirates will work with its allies to deter the threats of tanker attacks for regional stability and energy security, according to its national oil company.
Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (Adnoc) chief executive Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber said the Opec producer—which has the world’s sixth largest oil reserves—views “very seriously any threat to security of energy supplies”.
“Any attack on a single tanker is an assault on the entire international community," Al Jaber said.
It is a violation of the core values of free trade, peace, and prosperity that the UAE and peaceful nations stand for.
“That is why the UAE will work together with our friends and allies to defuse and deescalate the current threat and help ensure regional stability and the security of energy supplies to global customers.”
“Now is the time for wisdom, diplomacy and the concerted efforts of the international community, as we all have an interest in stable and secure market. They are the essential foundation for economic progress.”
These are his first public remarks on maritime security following six tanker attacks off Fujairah since last month.
Often siding with the US and Saudi Arabia diplomatically, the UAE has found itself in the middle of heightened geopolitical conflicts with its close proximity to Iran.
The US and Saudi Arabia have blamed those attacks on Iran. However, Iran has strongly denied the accusations.
On Monday, US President Donald Trump questioned whether the US should continue to ensure the passage via the Strait of Hormuz, where 40% of global seaborne tanker trade takes place.
"China gets 91% of its Oil from the Straight [sic], Japan 62%, & many other countries likewise," Trump tweeted.
"So why are we protecting the shipping lanes for other countries (many years) for zero compensation[?]”
At the same time, Washington has announced new sanctions against leaders of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has been visiting Saudi Arabia and the UAE in recent days to promote maritime security in the region, according to his tweets.
“Freedom of navigation is paramount,” Pompeo said.
