A Bahrain-led group backed by 80 countries has called for the immediate and full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, urging safe and unimpeded passage for commercial vessels without tolls, conditions or other charges.
The joint statement was delivered at the United Nations and condemned continued Iranian actions affecting navigation through Hormuz, as well as renewed Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and around Bab al-Mandab. The countries said disruption across the two strategic waterways was threatening maritime security, energy supplies and global trade.
Context: Strait of Hormuz Intelligence File · Strait of Hormuz shipping guide · Strait of Hormuz
The statement called for the urgent restoration of safe, secure and unrestricted transit for all vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. It said passage should be restored in line with navigational rights and freedoms and without what it described as illegal charges.
Operational context
The group also reaffirmed support for UN Security Council Resolution 2817, adopted on March 11. The resolution condemned Iranian strikes against Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, along with actions or threats aimed at closing or obstructing international navigation through the strait. The measure passed with 13 votes in favour, while China and Russia abstained.
Commercial shipping in and around Hormuz has continued to face severe restrictions after months of conflict. The coalition said that renewed hostilities in Yemen, strikes against Saudi Arabia and attacks in the Red Sea were adding to the risks faced by vessels transiting Bab al-Mandab.
The statement placed particular focus on merchant ships and their crews, saying commercial shipping and seafarers should not be used as leverage. It also recognised seafarers continuing to work in the region despite heightened security risks.
The position reflects repeated calls by International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez for attacks on merchant shipping to end and for safe navigation to be restored without discriminatory tolls or fees.
The IMO has confirmed at least 84 incidents involving merchant shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Middle East since the conflict began on February 28. According to the organisation, 23 seafarers have been killed.
Security reports indicate that incidents have intensified in recent days. The UK Maritime Trade Operations office reported three attacks or security incidents between September 16 and 18, followed by two separate tanker incidents on September 21. An attack on the Cape Dao on September 23 killed an Indian seafarer. UKMTO also issued seven consecutive attack or security warnings between September 17 and 23 across the wider region, including an attempted interception east of Aden.
The Bahrain-led group said it supported the IMO and regional partners seeking to restore safe navigation. It added that engagement with the shipping industry would continue to support a return to normal operations when security conditions allow.