UAE Warns Iran Not To ‘Hold World Economy Hostage’

UAE Warns Iran Not To ‘Hold World Economy Hostage’

The United Arab Emirates has warned that Iran must not be allowed to threaten global trade by blocking one of the world’s most vital energy routes.

In an interview with Euronews, Lana Nusseibeh, Minister of State at the UAE Foreign Ministry, said Iran must not be permitted to hold the global economy hostage through what she described as “rogue state behaviour”.

Her comments come as the escalating regional conflict raises fears over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway between Iran and Oman that carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply.

Global supply chains at risk

Speaking from Abu Dhabi, Nusseibeh warned that disruption to the strait would have consequences far beyond the Middle East.

“Globally, about 20% of the world’s energy supplies travel through that narrow waterway,” she said. “If that is disrupted, it impacts not only global energy prices but global food security and food supplies.”

Rising energy costs would quickly filter through to everyday consumers, she added, pushing up fuel prices and increasing the cost of groceries around the world.

UAE balancing defence and restraint

The warning comes two weeks into the conflict that has seen Iranian missiles and drones strike targets across the Gulf region.

Despite absorbing some of the heaviest attacks since the war began, Nusseibeh said life in the United Arab Emirates had largely returned to normal.

“We’ve had an incredibly challenging 14 days,” she said, adding that authorities have focused on protecting residents while maintaining economic stability.

The UAE says its response requires a delicate balance: defending its territory without triggering a wider regional war.

A forceful retaliation against Iran could risk drawing additional regional and international actors into the conflict, while failing to respond could leave critical infrastructure exposed.

Preparing for regional turbulence

Nusseibeh said the country’s resilience reflects decades of preparation for instability in the Gulf.

“We have been preparing for various scenarios in a very turbulent region for decades,” she said.

The UAE has invested heavily in supply chains, food security and global logistics networks, positioning itself as a major hub connecting more than 150 destinations worldwide.

The country has also built extensive air defence capabilities, which Nusseibeh described as “best in class”.

“Our UAE Armed Forces have kept our communities and residents safe,” she said.

A wider regional stake

While emphasising that the UAE does not seek escalation, Nusseibeh said the country would remain firm in defending its security and economic stability.

“The red lines are the security, prosperity and well-being of our Emirati and expatriate communities,” she said.

For Gulf governments, the stakes extend far beyond the battlefield. The conflict threatens critical energy routes and global supply chains that underpin the international economy.

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