A top UAE official denounced Iran’s claim of control over Emirati waters in the blockaded Strait of Hormuz as a “pipe dream” Thursday, after Iran’s newly established maritime authority said its jurisdiction extended into UAE territory.

What did the UAE say about Iran’s Strait of Hormuz control plan?

UAE presidential advisor Anwar Gargash rejected the claim directly on X, saying Iran was trying to “establish a new reality born from a clear military defeat.”

He added that any attempt to control the Strait of Hormuz or infringe on UAE maritime sovereignty was “nothing but pipe dreams.”

What did Iran’s new Hormuz authority claim?

Iran’s newly established Persian Gulf Strait Authority posted a map on X Wednesday outlining what it called “the regulatory jurisdiction for the management” of the strait.

The authority said its zone of control runs from Kuh-e Mubarak in Iran to the south of Fujairah in the UAE, extending to a line connecting Qeshm Island to Umm Al-Quwain.

It said all transit through the area requires coordination with, and authorization from, the authority.

Iran has blockaded the Strait of Hormuz since the war with Israel and the United States began on Feb. 28.

Ships have been required to obtain permission from Iranian armed forces to pass, with Iran charging vessels for passage through the vital global shipping conduit.

How has the UAE responded to Iran’s maritime pressure?

The UAE has strongly opposed Iran’s control of the strait and called for joint action to protect freedom of navigation.

On Friday, Abu Dhabi announced it was fast-tracking construction of a new oil pipeline bypassing Hormuz through Fujairah port.

The Abu Dhabi Media Office said the West-East Pipeline would double state oil giant ADNOC’s export capacity through Fujairah and is expected to become operational next year.

Fujairah port already hosts oil infrastructure built to route exports around the strategic waterway.

The accelerated pipeline project underscores Abu Dhabi’s push to reduce dependence on Hormuz transit entirely.

How strained are UAE-Iran relations since the war?

Relations between the two countries have deteriorated sharply since Tehran launched missile and drone strikes against Gulf states in response to US-Israeli attacks.

Iran last week accused the UAE of playing an active role in the war, a charge Abu Dhabi denied.

Gulf nations have consistently said they would not allow their territory or airspace to be used to attack Iran, a position they have maintained since before the conflict began.

On Wednesday, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they had allowed 26 ships, including oil tankers and other vessels, to pass through the strait over the previous 24 hours.

Last week, Iran said more than 30 ships had been permitted to pass, including some Chinese vessels.