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Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani read the joint statement at a press conference held at United Nations headquarters in New York during the 81st session of the General Assembly. The document, backed by Gulf Arab states and major Western powers including South Korea, condemned Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz as a continuing threat to international security and navigational rights. It called for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which was adopted in March and passed with 13 votes in favor and abstentions from China and Russia.
According to the joint statement, the 80 nations strongly condemned the Houthis’ decision to resume conflict in Yemen along with their continued strikes on Saudi Arabia and reckless attacks in the Red Sea. The signatories warned that any Houthi advance toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait would only heighten risks to international shipping, maritime security and global trade. Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs later distributed the full text, which listed supporting countries in an annex.
The countries reiterated their demand for the urgent and complete reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to ensure the safe, secure and unimpeded transit of vessels. They specified that passage must occur without the imposition of tolls, conditions or any illegal charges in accordance with international law under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The statement stressed that such measures were necessary to prevent further disruption to global trade, food systems and energy security.
TradeWinds News reported earlier in June that Iran had signaled plans to reintroduce charges for services in the strait once it reopened following a period of closure tied to regional conflict. Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister publicly criticised the proposed fees at the time, describing them as nonsensical. The latest UN initiative builds on those earlier diplomatic exchanges by mobilising broad international support for unrestricted navigation.
The joint statement emphasised that shipping and seafarers must never be used as leverage in regional disputes, a point echoed across multiple briefings tied to the resolution. Al Zayani highlighted the coordinated position among the 80 nations on enforcing maritime security standards in key waterways. Coverage from KBS World and Reuters noted the breadth of the coalition spanning different geographic and political groupings.
Resolution 2817 had specifically condemned Iranian strikes against several Gulf countries and Jordan in addition to threats aimed at obstructing navigation through the strait. The current call arrives as commercial shipping continues to operate under constraints in the area after months of heightened tensions that left vessels and crews stranded. Bahrain’s leadership in presenting the document reflects its role in rallying support for the full restoration of freedom of navigation.
