Eighty countries call for restoration of maritime navigation in Arabian Gulf

Eighty nations have united in a call for the prompt restoration of unimpeded maritime navigation in the Arabian Gulf, expressing grave concern over the escalating threats to international trade and regional stability. Bahrain's Foreign Minister, Abdullatif Al Zayani, highlighted these concerns during a joint statement at the UN General Assembly, urging an immediate end to the restrictions imposed by Iran and the ceaseless attacks by Houthi rebels.

The coalition of countries, comprising Gulf Arab states and significant Western powers, is demanding the prompt reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and unencumbered passage of vessels through this crucial energy conduit. They emphasize that Iran's ongoing actions in the Strait not only jeopardize international security and navigational rights but also disrupt vital trade flows and energy supplies.

Al Zayani pointed to a recent incident involving a commercial vessel off Oman, where an Indian crew member lost his life, and the six ballistic missiles launched by Houthi rebels towards Saudi Arabia, which were thankfully intercepted by Saudi authorities.

The coalition's statement underscores the severe impact of these restrictions on maritime traffic since the inception of US-Israeli strikes on Iran in February. It also condemns the Houthi rebels' recent resumption of hostilities in Yemen, their attacks on Saudi Arabia, and their recent strikes in the Red Sea. The joint statement strongly warns that any advances by Houthi rebels towards the Bab Al Mandeb strait, another vital shipping chokepoint, could further undermine global maritime commerce.

Furthermore, the statement vehemently opposes the use of commercial shipping as leverage against the affected nations. Saudi Arabia and the Houthis have separately claimed responsibility for recent missile attacks, with Saudi authorities attributing six ballistic missiles aimed at the Red Sea port of Yanbu and the southwestern city of Taif to Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

However, the Houthis have not yet acknowledged their involvement. Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, acknowledged Yemen's government's ability to defend its territory but stressed the priority of maintaining the country's unity, expressing confidence in the Yemeni government's capacity to do so. He reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment to supporting Yemen and coordinating with international partners to address the escalating threat.

This joint appeal for the restoration of maritime navigation resonates across the globe, emphasizing the shared responsibility of the international community in safeguarding the freedom of navigation and ensuring the security of global trade routes.