New York [US], September 26: In a joint statement at the United Nations on Thursday, 80 states strongly condemned both Iran's attacks in the Gulf region and those carried out by the Houthi militia on the Arabian Peninsula and in the Red Sea.
They criticized Iran for its attacks on countries in the region and for threatening international trade and energy security.
The European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul appeared in New York in support of the statement, which was read out by Bahrain's Foreign Minister, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani.
Iran's actions continue to threaten international security and freedom of navigation, the statement said. Al-Zayani demanded that the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for international oil trade, be kept fully open. The Bahraini minister also underlined the states' strong condemnation for the decision by the pro-Iranian Houthi militia to resume the conflict in Yemen, plus their ongoing attacks on Saudi Arabia and in the Red Sea.
The Houthis' advance towards the Bab al-Mandeb Strait would further exacerbate the threats to international maritime security and global trade, Al-Zayani said.
The Iran-backed Houthi militia recently seized Yemen's west coast in a lightning offensive, gaining access to the vital Bab al-Mandab Strait at the entrance to the Red Sea.
As the conflict escalates, Saudi Arabia again came under fire from its southern neighbour. The importance of the Bab al-Mandab Strait has increased further as a result of the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz. (DPA)
Source: Qatar Tribune
