NEW DELHI: Condemning Iran and its Houthi allies for attacks in the region and disruption to international trade and energy security, around 80 countries demanded the urgent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz on September 24.
“Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to threaten international security and navigational rights and freedoms,” said a joint statement read out by Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani at the United Nations.
“We also strongly condemn the Houthis’ decision to resume conÀict in Yemen, their continuous strikes on Saudi Arabia, and their reckless attacks in the Red Sea,” the statement said.
The statement’s backers included Gulf Arab states and major Western powers. It added that the Houthis’ advance towards Bab el-Mandeb Strait would also only heighten risks to international shipping, maritime security and global trade.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud stressed the importance of restoring the situation in the Strait of Hormuz to its pre-February 28 status without the imposition of any fees or restrictions.
Speaking during the general debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Faisal called for freedom of navigation in international waterways, highlighting the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb Strait, Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, and rejected their use by any party as an instrument of pressure or threat. He said the security of the Gulf region is part and parcel of the security of the region.
