Eighty nations urge UN to reopen Hormuz and denounce Iran, Houthi attacks
Around 80 countries called on the United Nations to swiftly reopen the Strait of Hormuz and condemned Iran and the Houthis for recent assaults that threaten shipping and energy supplies.
At a United Nations session, a coalition of about 80 countries issued a joint appeal for the urgent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital conduit for global oil shipments. The statement condemned Iran and the Houthi movement for recent strikes that disrupt maritime traffic and threaten energy security. It also highlighted the Houthis' renewed offensive in Yemen, their attacks on Saudi Arabia, and their expanding operations toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which could amplify risks to international shipping.
Gulf Arab states and leading Western nations backed the declaration, underscoring broad international concern. Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani read the text, emphasizing that the actions in Hormuz undermine navigational rights and global stability.
Why it matters
The Strait of Hormuz is a key oil route; disruptions affect worldwide energy markets and trade.
How the sides frame it
HIGH AGREEMENTAll camps report the same coalition of 80 nations demanding the Strait of Hormuz be reopened and blaming Iran and the Houthis, but they differ in the wording they use to describe the urgency and the specific concerns highlighted.
LEFT
Urges swift reinstatement of navigation, stressing the threat to security and maritime freedoms.
CENTER
Calls for urgent reopening of the strait and condemns Iran and Houthi attacks that disrupt trade and energy security.
RIGHT
Demands restoration of navigation freedom while voicing concern over rebel control of nearby chokepoints and Tehran's blockage.
The left emphasises
- swift reinstatement of navigation
- threat to security and maritime freedoms
The right emphasises
- restoration of freedom of navigation
- concern about rebel control of Bab el-Mandeb
- blockage by Tehran
How this story developed
- Sep 11 Smoke spotted near Saudi East-West oil pipeline as Houthi advances intensify
- Sep 18 Since the earlier report of 86,000 displaced, the UN now says over 112,000 have been forced from their homes.
- Sep 19 Washington met Houthi envoys in Oman and secured assurances that American vessels would not be targeted.
- Sep 19 Saudi officials confirmed that Yemen's Houthi forces attempted a ballistic missile strike on Riyadh, which was intercepted, and also failed to hit targets in Yanbu, Taif, Baysh and Farasan.
- Sep 20 The Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters announced it possesses information about an imminent US offensive and warned that any new strike would provoke sustained attacks on American installations and regional allies. Secretary-general Mohsen Rezaei added Iran could hit US vessels anywhere in the Indian Ocean. The statement referenced unverified reports of a meeting in Europe and suggested some Arab states had approved the plan. The US State Department issued a security alert warning of possible escalation.
- Sep 21 Iran added that any regional country assisting the United States would be considered a participant in the conflict.
- Sep 21 Fire on the tanker was extinguished after the projectile strike.
- Sep 21 Prime Minister Andy Burnham has authorized British aircraft to provide defensive air-to-air refuelling for Saudi jets fighting Houthi rebels in Yemen.
- Sep 21 Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he agreed to Saudi Arabia's request for defensive air-to-air refuelling while travelling to New York for a United Nations General Assembly meeting.
- Sep 22 Burnham announced the decision while traveling to the UN General Assembly.
- Sep 22 The United States declined to conduct direct kinetic strikes against the Houthis.
- Sep 22 UN agencies warned that displacement could rise to over 230,000 if the fighting continues.
- Sep 23 A cargo ship was struck by an unknown projectile, igniting a fire and forcing crew evacuation.
- Sep 24 The Houthis seized the port city of Mocha and nearby Bab al‑Mandab positions.
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