80 countries demand reopening of Hormuz strait at UN, condemn Iran, Houthi attacks

Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, on Sept 23.

UNITED NATIONS, United States - Some 80 countries demanded the urgent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz on Sept 24 and condemned Iran and its Houthi allies for attacks in the region and disruption to international trade and energy security.

“Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to threaten international security and navigational rights and freedoms,” said a joint statement read out by Bahrain’s Foreign Minister, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, at the United Nations.

“We also strongly condemn the Houthis’ decision to resume conflict in Yemen, their continuous strikes on Saudi Arabia, and their reckless attacks in the Red Sea,” the statement said.

The statement’s backers included Gulf Arab states and major Western powers.

It added that the Houthis’ advance towards the Bab el-Mandeb Strait would also only heighten risks to international shipping, maritime security and global trade.

Both Iran and the Houthis frame their actions as defensive. REUTERS