Nearly 80 countries warned that the Houthis’ advance toward the Bab al-Mandab Strait would increase risks to international shipping, maritime security, and global trade through the vital waterway.
The warning came in a joint statement read by Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani at the United Nations on Thursday, September 24, according to Yemen’s state-run Saba news agency.
The statement condemned the Houthis’ decision to resume hostilities in Yemen, their continued attacks on Saudi Arabia, and their attacks in the Red Sea.
The countries reaffirmed their support for UN Security Council Resolution 2817 and called for its implementation. They also condemned Iranian attacks on countries in the region and the resulting disruption to international trade and threats to energy security and the global economy, according to the statement.
They said Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz threaten international security and navigational rights and freedoms.
The countries called for the urgent and full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and for vessels to pass safely and without obstruction, tolls, conditions, or unlawful charges, in accordance with international law.
