80 countries demand reopening of Strait of Hormuz at UN - The News International

Some 80 countries demanded the urgent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday.

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

"We also strongly condemn the Houthis' decision to resume ‌conflict ⁠in Yemen, their continuous strikes on Saudi Arabia, and their reckless attacks in the Red Sea," the statement said.

The statement's backers ⁠included Gulf Arab states and major Western powers.

It added that the Houthis' advance towards Bab ⁠el-Mandeb Strait would also only heighten risks to international shipping, maritime security ⁠and global trade.

Both Iran and the Houthis frame their actions as defensive.