Bahrain's Foreign Minister, Dr. Abdullatif Al-Zayani, has warned that Iranian threats to vessels transiting through the Hormuz Strait could escalate into a crisis impacting the entire world. Al-Zayani emphasized that time has become a critical factor in addressing this escalating crisis, which poses a genuine threat to global stability, food security, and the principles of international law.
The Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported Al-Zayani's assertions that oil tanker traffic through the Hormuz Strait has decreased by more than 90% since February 28 of this year. He explained that the repercussions of this situation are no longer confined to energy markets or shipping lanes but extend to global food security, with expectations of worsening fertilizer supply shortages and increased hunger risks.
Details of the Situation
Al-Zayani pointed to United Nations warnings that an additional 45 million people could face acute hunger, and nearly 4 million people in the Arab world could fall into poverty if the situation continues as it is. He confirmed that the scale of global risks is what prompted the Kingdom of Bahrain to present a draft resolution before the Security Council.
He noted that what is happening is not a regional conflict but a global emergency requiring a comprehensive international response. The Security Council has demonstrated its awareness of the gravity of the situation through Resolution 2817, co-sponsored by 136 member states, sending a clear message that Iranian actions are illegal and must cease. However, Iran has not complied, making further action by the Council an unavoidable necessity.
Background & Context
The Bahraini Foreign Minister, who is presiding over the Security Council, affirmed that each day that passes without action brings the world closer to a crisis whose consequences will be measured by failed agricultural seasons, rising hunger rates, and renewed instability in the most vulnerable countries. He clarified that the closure of the Strait does not target any specific party but poses a direct threat to countries in the Global South, which will bear the brunt of its repercussions.
Al-Zayani stressed the need for immediate action, warning that the available opportunity is narrowing day by day, and that continued disruption of shipping means delaying the arrival of vital supplies of energy, food, medicine, and fertilizers relied upon by millions.
Impact & Consequences
The Bahraini Foreign Minister stated that the draft resolution before the Security Council represents a coordinated response grounded in international law, aimed at providing the necessary clarity and coordination to address Iran's violations of international law and its threats to maritime navigation in the Hormuz Strait. He emphasized that the project does not aim to escalate tensions but rather serves as a framework to prevent a broader collapse of the international system.
He pointed out that inaction in the face of this crisis sends a dangerous message that vital corridors in the global economy can be threatened without consequences. He explained that the Security Council has conducted in-depth consultations to reach a decision that reflects the magnitude of the current challenge.
Regional Significance
Al-Zayani stated that Bahrain's presidency of the Security Council has focused on achieving unity of the Council's position, and that the postponement of the vote was to allow for the possibility of reaching an international consensus. He confirmed that Bahrain will continue its diplomatic efforts in the coming days to achieve this goal.
The Bahraini Foreign Minister urged the Security Council to vote in favor of the draft resolution, asserting that the Council's credibility hinges on its readiness to act when the international legal system is explicitly challenged. He affirmed that the Hormuz Strait is an international waterway belonging to the entire world, and the Council must act on this basis.