Qatar demands Strait of Hormuz reopening to ensure global maritime security

Qatar has called for the immediate and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to ensure freedom of navigation, rejecting any attempts to use the strategic waterway as a tool for political pressure. The demand was issued on Saturday, 31 October, during a high-level United Nations Security Council debate in New York. Technology and Maritime Risks Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the UN, addressed the session titled "Emerging Technologies and Maritime Security: Implications for Peace and Security." She stated that while innovations like artificial intelligence (AI) can improve maritime safety, their misuse poses direct threats to commercial shipping and critical offshore infrastructure. The Qatari envoy outlined four specific priorities for the deployment of maritime technology: strict adherence to international law, the maintenance of effective human oversight, the implementation of robust cybersecurity measures, and ensuring that developing nations gain access to these technological advancements. Middle East Navigation Security The call for stability in the Strait of Hormuz comes as Qatar urges the Security Council to adopt a consistent, non-selective approach to maritime threats in the Middle East. The waterway is a critical artery for global energy supplies, particularly for liquefied natural gas (LNG) and oil exports from the Gulf region. Sheikha Alya reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to the International Maritime Organization…