80 UN States Call for Unrestricted Hormuz Passage

Bahrain’s foreign minister presented a joint statement on September 24 on behalf of 80 United Nations member states, calling for the Strait of Hormuz to reopen fully and for vessels to pass safely and without tolls or other conditions. The statement was delivered at UN headquarters in New York during the 81st General Assembly, as maritime disruption and security risks remained a concern for the participating countries. The signatories said they supported UN Security Council Resolution 2817, adopted in March, which condemned attacks on Gulf states and Jordan and actions or threats to obstruct navigation through the strait. They described restrictions on shipping as a threat to international security, freedom of navigation, trade and energy security. Their statement called for implementation of the resolution and passage consistent with international law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani presented the statement. The participating countries also cited attacks on ships and threats to commercial crews as reasons for their call.