Coalition of 80 Nations Demands UN Restore Freedom of Navigation in the Persian Gulf
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A coalition of 80 countries issued a joint statement at the United Nations demanding the immediate restoration of freedom of navigation in the Persian Gulf. The nations condemned actions by Iran and Yemen's Houthi rebels, which they said are disrupting global maritime traffic. The declaration, backed among others by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, was read out by Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, according to AFP.
"We urgently demand the full restoration of the right to freedom of navigation," the Bahraini minister told reporters as he read out the text of the declaration. In the document, the eighty signatory states condemned not only the dangerous situation in the Strait of Hormuz, but also the crisis in Yemen and Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and shipping in the Red Sea.
Houthi Offensive in Yemen
The Iran-backed Houthis control northwestern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, along with most of the country's Red Sea coastline. This month the group launched a rapid offensive, seizing large swaths of territory. The Houthis are also seeking to seize control of the strategic Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. In response, Riyadh has been carrying out airstrikes against rebel positions.
Tension in the Strait of Hormuz
The situation in the Strait of Hormuz has remained tense since February, when the United States and Israel launched military action against Iran. Tehran retaliated by striking American targets in the region and elsewhere, and effectively blocked shipping through the strait, which is critical for oil and gas exports from Persian Gulf states.
In mid-June, Tehran and Washington signed a memorandum of understanding intended to end the conflict. The document called for the restoration of free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. However, fighting resumed in early July: the US claims Iran violated the agreement by attacking vessels in the strait and resumed airstrikes on Iranian territory. Tehran, for its part, insists it was Washington that failed to honor the terms of the deal.
Around Prague, based on reporting by seznamzpravy.cz
