At the UN, 80 countries demand Hormuz reopening, condemn Iran and Houthi attacks

Around 80 countries on Thursday demanded the urgent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and condemned Iran and its Houthi allies for attacks in the region and for disrupting international trade and energy security.

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

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

Backers of the statement included the Arab Gulf states and major Western powers.

He added that the Houthis’ advance toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait would only increase risks for international shipping, maritime security and global trade.

Both Iran and the Houthis describe their actions as defensive.