The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is opposing Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz, stating that this key maritime route for oil and gas "has never been Iran's to close or restrict," reports the BBC. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the UAE's Minister of Industry and head of the state oil company in Abu Dhabi, said on social media: "Any attempt to do so is not a regional matter; it is the disruption of a global economic lifeline and a direct threat to the energy, food, and health security of every nation." Since the U.S. and Israel launched military actions against Iran on February 28, Tehran has threatened to "set fire" to ships if they attempt to use this waterway. This has led to an almost complete halt in shipments and driven up global oil and gas prices. Al Jaber said: "Setting such a precedent is illegal, dangerous, and unacceptable. The world simply cannot afford it and must not allow it."