Bahrain Leads 80 Nations at UN in Demand to Immediately Reopen Strait of Hormuz

Amid ongoing tensions in West Asia, 80 countries have raised a joint voice over the Strait of Hormuz. Led by Bahrain, these nations have demanded that the strait be reopened immediately and fully. They have called for ensuring safe, unimpeded and unobstructed movement of ships through the waterway, warning that any disruption to maritime trade routes could seriously affect global trade, food systems and energy security.

Bahrain Presents Demand of 80 Nations at UN

Bahrain's Foreign Minister, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, made the appeal at a media briefing held at the United Nations headquarters in New York during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. Al Zayani said the Strait of Hormuz should be fully reopened at the earliest. He also called for the complete implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which was adopted in March. The resolution condemned Iran's attacks on Gulf countries and Jordan, as well as actions and threats aimed at blocking or disrupting international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

No Restrictions on Movement of Ships

In the joint statement issued by the 80 countries, they demanded that ships be allowed safe and unobstructed passage through the Strait of Hormuz, with no transit fees, conditions or unlawful burdens imposed on them. The countries said freedom of maritime movement must be ensured under international law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, stating that this would help prevent further disruption to global trade.

Warning on Global Trade and Hunger

The joint statement said that disrupting key global maritime trade routes and putting pressure on food systems could lead to rising prices. It warned that this could worsen hunger, affect crop yields and increase hardship for the world's most vulnerable people. Bahrain's Foreign Minister also referred to an attack on a ship off the coast of Oman, in which an Indian national was killed, expressing condolences to India and the victim's family.

Concern Over Houthi Attacks Too

The 80 countries also expressed concern over renewed activity by the Houthi group in Yemen and attacks on Saudi Arabia, as well as attacks in the Red Sea. The statement warned that increasing Houthi activity towards the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait could heighten the threat to international maritime movement, maritime security and global trade.

Iran Puts Forward a Separate Proposal

Meanwhile, Iran has put forward a separate diplomatic proposal to end the conflict and address the situation regarding the Strait of Hormuz. According to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the Strait of Hormuz could be reopened on the seventh day if certain conditions are met, after which broader talks on Iran's nuclear programme would begin.

Iran has also objected to being held responsible for insecurity in the strait. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran is ready for an agreement with the United States, adding that Iran is willing to allow international monitoring of its nuclear programme.