Photo : KBS News
A total of 80 nations, including South Korea, have issued a joint statement calling for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and condemning armed provocations by Iran and the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen, as well as disruptions to international trade.
Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani read out the statement at a press conference at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Thursday.
In the statement backed by Gulf Arab states and major Western powers, the countries said Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to threaten international security and navigational rights and freedoms.
They also strongly condemned the Houthis’ decision to resume the conflict in Yemen, their continued attacks on Saudi Arabia and their reckless attacks in the Red Sea.
The countries reiterated their call for the urgent and full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and safe, secure and unimpeded passage of vessels without tolls, conditions or illegal charges in accordance with international law under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.