Bahrain Joins 80 Nations in Urgent Appeal for Immediate Reopening of Strait of Hormuz

Bahrain has led a group of 80 United Nations member states in calling for the immediate and complete reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, urging that ships be allowed to pass through the strategically important waterway safely, securely and without restrictions amid continuing tensions in West Asia. Bahrain Foreign Minister Abdul Latif Al-Zayani made the appeal during a media briefing at the United Nations headquarters in New York, held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. Representatives of the participating countries expressed concern over attacks in the region, disruptions to international shipping and potential threats to global energy security.

According to Bahrain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Al-Zayani also urged the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which was adopted in March. The resolution condemned attacks attributed to Iran against Gulf countries and Jordan, as well as actions or threats aimed at obstructing international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Al-Zayani said the security situation had become increasingly serious since countries last issued a joint statement on the issue. He referred to a recent attack on a vessel off the coast of Oman that resulted in the death of an Indian national. He also mentioned an earlier incident involving six ballistic missiles launched towards Saudi Arabia by Houthi forces. The Bahraini foreign minister expressed condolences to India and the family of the Indian national who was killed, while reaffirming Bahrain's solidarity with Saudi Arabia over attacks in the region, according to the Bahraini Foreign Ministry.

Al-Zayani later read a joint statement on behalf of the 80 participating UN member states. The countries reaffirmed their support for Resolution 2817 and condemned what they described as continued Iranian attacks against neighbouring states, disruptions to international trade and threats to energy security and the global economy. The signatories said any actions affecting the Strait of Hormuz posed concerns for international security and freedom of navigation. They called for the waterway to be reopened urgently and completely and demanded safe, secure and unhindered passage for vessels without transit fees, additional conditions or other unlawful restrictions.

The countries said maritime access should remain consistent with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and stressed that uninterrupted shipping was necessary to prevent further disruption to global commerce. The joint statement also expressed concern over renewed Houthi hostilities in Yemen and attacks involving Saudi Arabia and the Red Sea. The participating nations warned that any further Houthi advance towards the Bab al-Mandab Strait could increase risks for international shipping, maritime security and global trade.

The countries also highlighted the potential economic and humanitarian consequences of disruptions to major global trade routes. According to Bahrain's Foreign Ministry, they warned that interference with key shipping corridors could contribute to higher prices, increased food insecurity, reduced agricultural output and greater hardship for vulnerable populations around the world.

The renewed international appeal comes as Iran has put forward its own diplomatic proposal concerning the conflict and the status of the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi was quoted by The New York Times as saying Tehran had proposed a seven-day framework under which the waterway could be reopened after certain conditions were fulfilled, followed by renewed negotiations concerning Iran's nuclear programme.

Araghchi said the proposal had been conveyed to the United States through intermediaries and indicated that Tehran would prefer an agreement to be reached before the US midterm elections. He has also maintained that Iran has communicated what it considers reasonable conditions for restarting diplomatic discussions with Washington. Iran has rejected the characterisation of its actions as the main source of insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz and has instead blamed the United States and Israel for the escalation.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, speaking in an interview with Fox News, said Tehran remained willing to reach an agreement with Washington. He argued that an earlier understanding had broken down following US military action and said Iran was prepared to allow international verification of its nuclear programme. Pezeshkian also referred to an earlier understanding with the US administration, saying Tehran believed an agreement had already been reached. He maintained that Iran had not initially closed the Strait of Hormuz and argued that the situation changed after attacks on Iran.

The latest developments have placed the Strait of Hormuz at the centre of diplomatic efforts surrounding the wider conflict. While Bahrain and the 80 participating countries are pressing for unrestricted maritime passage, Iran's reported proposal links the reopening of the waterway to specific conditions and broader negotiations over the conflict and its nuclear programme. The dispute underscores the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, a major international shipping route. Any prolonged disruption to the waterway could have wider consequences for global trade, energy markets and food prices, making its reopening a significant issue in ongoing regional and international diplomacy.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.