- Joint Statement at UN Calls for Safe Maritime Transit, Protection of Global Trade and Energy Security
NEW YORK: Eighty countries on Thursday called for the urgent and full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, while condemning what they described as Iran’s attacks in the region and the disruption of international trade and energy security.
The joint statement was delivered by Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani during a media stakeout on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The signatories include Gulf and Arab states as well as major Western and other international partners.
“Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to threaten international security and navigational rights and freedoms,” the statement said, calling for the restoration of safe, secure and unimpeded maritime transit in accordance with international law.
Call for Free and Unimpeded Navigation
The countries urged the immediate restoration of freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that commercial vessels should be allowed to transit safely without tolls, conditions or charges inconsistent with international law.
The statement also emphasized the importance of safeguarding maritime routes that are vital to international commerce, energy supplies and the global economy.
Bahrain’s Foreign Minister said the regional security threat remained serious and expressed condolences to those who had lost their lives in attacks in the region.
The joint statement further condemned the Houthis’ renewed hostilities in Yemen, their attacks against Saudi Arabia and attacks affecting shipping in the Red Sea. It warned that any further Houthi advance toward the Bab Al-Mandeb Strait could increase risks to international shipping, maritime security and global trade.
Concerns Over Global Trade and Energy Security
The Strait of Hormuz and the Bab Al-Mandeb are strategically important maritime corridors connecting major energy-producing regions with global markets. Disruptions to shipping through these waterways have raised concerns over international trade, energy supplies and transportation costs.
The statement echoed concerns previously expressed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres about the broader global consequences of disruptions to trade and food supplies, particularly for vulnerable populations.
“Commercial shipping and seafarers must never be used as leverage,” the statement said, while calling for international efforts to restore safe and uninterrupted maritime transit.
International Support for Maritime Security
The joint statement reaffirmed support for the role of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and regional partners in facilitating the restoration of safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
The signatories also called for the full restoration of navigational rights and freedoms without delay, emphasizing the importance of protecting civilian shipping and seafarers.
The statement comes amid heightened tensions across the Middle East, including renewed fighting involving the Houthis in Yemen and attacks affecting several countries in the region.
Iran and the Houthis have characterized their actions as defensive, while the countries backing Thursday’s statement called for the protection of maritime security, international trade and freedom of navigation.
BY: The Times Union
