Anwar Gargash, a senior adviser to the UAE President, has strongly condemned Iran’s recent efforts to assert authority over the Strait of Hormuz. Following Tehran’s announcement of a new body tasked with managing the vital waterway, Gargash took to social media to label the move as another instance of long-standing Iranian “bullying.” He argued that these actions are merely an attempt by the regime to project power following a recent military defeat, dismissing their claims of control as unrealistic and an infringement on the maritime sovereignty of neighboring nations.

The strategic significance of the Strait of Hormuz cannot be overstated, as it facilitates the transit of nearly 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas. High-ranking officials, including ADNOC CEO Sultan Al Jaber, have warned that Iran’s attempt to treat this international gateway as its own property sets a dangerous global precedent. Gargash emphasized that the relationship between Iran and its neighbors has reached a point where trust is entirely broken. According to the diplomat, any path toward reconciliation will require a complete shift in rhetoric and a demonstrated commitment to respecting the sovereignty of other states in the region.