A coalition of 80 countries on Thursday called for the full restoration of maritime navigation in the Arabian Gulf, warning that restrictions imposed by Iran and renewed attacks by Houthi rebels were threatening international trade and regional security.“We call for the full restoration of navigational rights and principles without delay,” Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani said, reading a joint statement to reporters on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.The countries called for the urgent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and for vessels to be allowed to transit safely without tolls, conditions or what they described as illegal charges.“Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to threaten international security and navigational rights and freedoms,” the statement said.The coalition, which includes Gulf Arab states and major western powers, also condemned Iran’s attacks against countries in the region and its disruption of international trade and energy supplies.“Five months after our last press takeout on this very issue, the threat we face remains very real and continues to grow,” Mr Al Zayani said.He spoke of an attack on a commercial vessel off the coast of Oman on Wednesday that killed an Indian crew member, as well as six ballistic missiles launched by Houthi rebels towards Saudi Arabia on Thursday. Saudi authorities said the missiles were inter...
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