Saudi Arabia Demands Pre-War Status for Strait of Hormuz

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud has called for the Strait of Hormuz to return to its pre-war status, free from charges and restrictions. Speaking at the UN General Debate on September 26, 2026, he emphasized the importance of guaranteeing freedom of navigation in key waterways.

The strait has been a point of contention since the Iran war began in late February, with Iran blocking shipping after the first US strikes. This disruption has had significant economic implications for Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, which rely on the Strait of Hormuz to export oil and petroleum products.

Saudi Arabia is not alone in its concerns; Prince Faisal also mentioned the Bab al-Mandab strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden as areas where international shipping must be protected. He emphasized that this was a shared responsibility among nations to safeguard global supply chains.