The foreign minister of Bahrain, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, led 80 member states of the United Nations in a call for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The press briefing was held at the UN headquarters in New York on Thursday, September 24.
The press conference took place during the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
These nations condemned the attacks by Iran in the region. They criticised the disruption to international trade and threats to energy security.
They called for the immediate and total opening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Moreover, the countries urged that the ships be allowed to pass unhindered and safely.
Also, they stated that the vessels should not incur any transit fees or any other requirement, which they termed illegal. This demand is founded on international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Some of the Gulf Arab states and major Western nations are among those backing this statement.
Al Zayani called for the complete implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2817 passed in March.
In the resolution, the council members strongly condemned the attacks by Iran targeting Gulf states and Jordan. Also, the resolution criticised measures aimed at the closure and blockage of international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Mr Al Zayani referred to the incident where there was an attack on a ship near the coast of Oman that led to the death of an Indian citizen.
He also referred to another attack where Houthi forces fired six ballistic missiles at Saudi Arabia.
Mr. Al Zayani conveyed condolences to India and the family of the deceased. In addition, he extended solidarity to Saudi Arabia. He later presented the joint statement on behalf of the 80 countries.
The countries viewed the actions against the strategic waterway as a threat to international security and freedom of navigation. Therefore, there was a call for reopening of the waterway to avoid further disruption of international trade.
The joint statement also criticised the renewed hostilities by Houthi rebels in Yemen, continued attacks on Saudi Arabia and their strikes on the Red Sea.
The countries warned of further advancements of Houthi forces in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait as a potential threat to international shipping, maritime security and international trade.
Similarly, the Bahraini Foreign Ministry warned that any disruption in major sea routes might have repercussions for the international food chain.
They added that there could be a rise in prices, increased hunger, decrease in yield, and suffering for the poor in particular.
On the other hand, Iran has presented its own peace proposal for bringing an end to the current conflict and reopening the strait.
According to Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Tehran sent a proposal to Washington through third parties.
The strait could open up within seven days provided that some conditions were fulfilled. After that, talks would begin regarding the country’s nuclear program.
References: Malaysiasun, The Print