United Arab Emirates Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Khalifa Shaheen called for regional de-escalation during a September 28, 2026, address to the UN General Assembly in Istanbul. Shaheen emphasized the legal right of supply chains to pass through the Strait of Hormuz and urged an end to the conflict in Sudan.
The United Arab Emirates is pushing for a reduction in regional tensions at a time when the Middle East is defined by transformations and divisions, according to Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Khalifa Shaheen. Speaking before the UN General Assembly, Shaheen stated, the region is witnessing transformations and divisions and de-escalation must be reduced. He positioned the UAE as a proponent of moderation, stating, my country continues its commitment to an approach of moderation, rejecting violence and extremism, and investing in the human being, and in the enormous capabilities that our region abounds with.
Strait of Hormuz and Global Supply Chain Security
A central pillar of the UAE’s address was the protection of navigation rights through the Strait of Hormuz. Shaheen asserted that the free passage of supply chains must be respected under international law, arguing that such access is a fundamental requirement for the stability of global trade. He further emphasized that this right to free passage must not be restricted.
This insistence on maritime freedom comes against a backdrop of severe regional volatility. On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched a war against Iran that resulted in thousands of deaths. Tehran responded with strikes on Israel and various regional sites, including the UAE. While the U.S. and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding in mid-June, negotiations have since stalled, largely due to disputes over navigation in the strategically vital strait. Following the initial conflict, the United States launched attacks on sites in Iran amid the deadlock in negotiations.
UAE Position on the Sudan Conflict
The UAE minister called for an immediate end to the fighting and argued that the warring parties should not be involved in determining the future of the country.
The diplomatic tension surrounding this conflict is rooted in the status of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The Sudanese government refuses to equate the RSF—which it views as a militia that must be disarmed—with the national army. While Abu Dhabi has faced accusations of supporting the RSF, the UAE has repeatedly denied these claims and confirmed its non-involvement.
Climate Action and the UN Water Conference
Beyond security and conflict, the UAE is using its international partnerships to address environmental crises. Shaheen announced that the UAE is preparing to host the UN Water Conference this year, in partnership with Senegal. Shaheen noted that this partnership stems from a recognition of the importance of concerted efforts and joint international action to address the challenges of water, climate and food security.
The conference is intended to serve as a critical juncture for developing solutions to water security, climate change, and food security. Although a specific date for the event was not provided, Shaheen urged international participation to enhance global water security. He added that the UAE extends its hands to its partners in the region and around the world, to build not to destroy, and to gather not to divide.
Whether the UAE’s call for moderation can bridge the gap between the stalled U.S.-Iran negotiations or resolve the deadlock in Sudan remains an open question.
