At UN, Saudi FM warns world failing to protect Gulf shipping

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan urged United Nations members on Saturday that the obstruction of Middle Eastern waterways poses a threat to global energy security. He demanded that the international community take more action to safeguard freedom of navigation. Since the US and Israel initiated their war on Iran in late February, Iran's adversaries, Tehran and its Houthi allies in Yemen, have hindered shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab Al Mandab Strait respectively. These waterways are crucial pathways for oil and gas exports.

Bin Farhan lamented the international community's lack of responsibility in addressing threats to international peace and security. He emphasized the kingdom's commitment to ensuring the protection of freedom of navigation in all international waterways, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab Al Mandab Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden. Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey have reaffirmed a joint defense pact under the Mecca agreement.

The minister further demanded the restoration of pre-February 28 conditions in the Strait of Hormuz, without imposing any fees or taxes. He firmly rejected any party's use of these vital passages as a means for exerting pressure, threats, or harm to the interests of states, in compliance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.

Bin Farhan made these statements shortly after US President Donald Trump rejected an Iranian proposal for a deal to reopen Hormuz, contingent upon a Middle East ceasefire and the release of frozen Iranian assets.