Global Coalition of 80 Nations Demands Immediate End to Shipping Restrictions and Attacks in the Arabian Gulf

A coalition of 80 countries issued a strong demand on Thursday for the full restoration of maritime navigation in the Arabian Gulf, raising alarms over restrictions imposed by Iran and renewed assaults by Houthi rebels that endanger regional security and international trade.

“We call for the full restoration of navigational rights and principles without delay,” stated Bahrain ’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani while presenting a joint statement to reporters during the UN General Assembly . The alliance demanded the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to allow vessels safe passage free from tolls, conditions, or illegal charges.

“Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to threaten international security and navigational rights and freedoms,” the joint declaration emphasized. Comprising Gulf Arab states and major western powers, the coalition also condemned Iranian attacks targeting regional countries and disrupting energy supplies and international trade.

Highlighting the escalating danger, Mr Al Zayani noted, “Five months after our last press takeout on this very issue, the threat we face remains very real and continues to grow.” He pointed to a Wednesday assault on a commercial vessel near Oman that resulted in the death of an Indian crew member, along with Thursday's interception of six ballistic missiles launched by Houthi rebels toward Saudi Arabia .

The strategic Strait of Hormuz, linking the Arabian Gulf and the Arabian Sea, has suffered severe traffic disruptions since US-Israeli attacks on Iran began in February. Furthermore, Mr Al Zayani cautioned that Houthi advances toward the Bab Al Mandeb strait—another vital Red Sea and Gulf of Aden chokepoint—threaten to inflict further damage on global maritime commerce. “Commercial shipping and seafarers must never be used as leverage,” he asserted.

Meanwhile, Riyadh reported intercepting six ballistic missiles targeting the Red Sea port of Yanbu and the south-western city of Taif on Thursday, attributing the strikes to Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen . Although the Houthis did not immediately claim responsibility, the group has recently launched multiple attacks against the kingdom.

Saudi Arabia ’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan , asserted that Yemen’s internationally recognised government possesses the capability to defend its territory against advancing Houthi forces, emphasizing that preserving Yemen's unity remains a top priority for Riyadh. Responding to a question from The National regarding direct contacts with the Houthis and potential threats to Aden , Prince Faisal affirmed that the Saudi-led coalition will sustain its support for the Yemeni government to help it “impose its control over all of Yemen”.

As fighting intensifies along Yemen’s western coast and around the Bab Al Mandeb, Prince Faisal stressed that addressing the crisis requires a global response. “This is not just about Saudi Arabia,” he stated. “The responsibility to dealing with this threat is not just on Saudi Arabia. It is also on the whole international community.”