The Strait of Hormuz crisis requires urgent international action to avoid serious humanitarian and economic repercussions

Bahraini Foreign Minister, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, confirmed that what began as Iranian threats to ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz has developed into a threat that affects the entire world, stressing that time has become a decisive factor in dealing with this escalating crisis, which has become a real threat to global stability, food security, and the principles of international law.

Al-Zayani explained that since February 28, the movement of oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz has declined by more than 90%, indicating that the repercussions of this situation are no longer limited to energy markets or shipping lines, but rather extend to global food security, with the expectation that the shortage of fertilizer supplies will worsen and the risks of hunger escalate.

He referred to United Nations warnings of the possibility of an additional 45 million people being exposed to acute hunger, and about 4 million people in the Arab world being pushed into poverty if the situation continues as it is.

He stressed that the scale of global risks is what prompted the Kingdom of Bahrain to submit a draft resolution to the Security Council, explaining that what is happening is not a regional conflict, but rather a global emergency that requires a comprehensive international response.

The Security Council demonstrated its awareness of the seriousness of the situation through Resolution 2817, which received a record co-sponsorship from 136 member states, sending an unambiguous message that Iranian actions are illegal and must stop. However, Iran has not complied — making further Council action inevitable.

Al-Zayani pointed out that every day that passes without action brings the world closer to a crisis, the results of which will be measured by the failure of agricultural seasons, rising rates of hunger, and renewed manifestations of instability in the most fragile countries. He stressed that the closure of the Strait does not target a specific party, but rather constitutes a direct threat to the countries of the Global South, which will bear the brunt of its repercussions.

The Foreign Minister stressed the need for immediate action, warning that the available opportunity is narrowing day by day, and that the continued disruption of ship traffic means delaying the arrival of vital supplies of energy, food, medicines and fertilizers on which millions of people depend.

He stated that the draft resolution presented before the Security Council represents a coordinated response based on international law, aiming to provide the necessary clarity and coordination to confront Iran’s violations of international law and its threats to maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

He stressed that the project does not aim at escalation, but rather constitutes a framework to prevent a broader collapse in the international system, by emphasizing the necessity of protecting freedom of navigation and the right of transit passage, and deterring any additional attacks, with full compliance with international law and international humanitarian law.

He pointed out that failure to act in the face of this crisis sends a dangerous message that vital corridors in the global economy can be threatened without consequences, pointing out that the Security Council conducted in-depth consultations to reach a decision that reflects the scale of the current challenge.

He added that the focus of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s presidency of the Security Council was on achieving unity in the Council’s position, and that the postponement of the vote came to allow room for reaching an international consensus, stressing that Bahrain will continue its diplomatic efforts in the coming days to achieve this goal.

Al-Zayani called on the Security Council to vote in favor of the draft resolution, stressing that the Council’s credibility depends on its willingness to act when the international legal system is openly challenged. The Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway that belongs to the entire world, and the Council must act on this basis.