80 countries at the UN call for restoring shipping in the Arabian Gulf — The National
A coalition of 80 countries on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly called for the immediate restoration of navigation rights and principles in the Arabian Gulf and for the Strait of Hormuz to be opened for the safe passage of vessels. In a joint statement, the countries warned that restrictions imposed by Iran, as well as the resumption of attacks by Yemen’s Houthis, threaten international trade and regional security.
As The National reports, Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani read the statement to journalists. The coalition members demanded that the Strait of Hormuz be urgently opened and that the safe transit of vessels be ensured without fees, additional conditions or, as stated in the declaration, unlawful charges.
Demand to open the Strait of Hormuz
The statement says that Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz threaten international security, navigation rights and freedoms. The coalition, which includes Arab Gulf states and major Western countries, also condemned Iran’s attacks against countries in the region and its obstruction of international trade and energy supplies.
Al Zayani said that five months after the previous press briefing, the threat “remains very real and continues to grow.” He mentioned an attack on a commercial vessel near the coast of Oman that killed an Indian crew member.
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According to the publication, restrictions on vessel traffic through the strategic waterway have disrupted maritime traffic since the start of US-Israeli attacks on Iran in February. The Strait of Hormuz connects the Arabian Gulf with the Arabian Sea and is one of the world’s key routes for transporting energy resources.
Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia
The coalition also condemned the Houthis’ decision to resume hostilities in Yemen, their strikes on Saudi Arabia and attacks in the Red Sea. Al Zayani warned that Houthi advances toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, could cause new disruptions to global maritime trade. “Commercial shipping and seafarers must never be used as leverage,” he said.
Saudi Arabia reported intercepting six ballistic missiles aimed at the Red Sea port of Yanbu and the city of Taif in the country’s southwest. Riyadh blamed the launches on the Iran-backed Houthis, but the group did not immediately claim responsibility for the attack.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said that Yemen’s internationally recognized government is capable of defending the territories under its control. He added that the Saudi coalition would continue supporting this government, while Yemen’s unity remains Riyadh’s priority.
