Saudi Arabia Warns UN on Threats to Global Energy Security Through Middle East Waterways

Saudi Arabia's foreign minister, Faisal bin Farhan, addressed the UN General Assembly on Saturday, urging members to take action in defending freedom of navigation through key Middle Eastern waterways.

The warning comes as Iran and its allies in Yemen have disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab Strait since the US and Israel launched their war on Iran in late February.

Bin Farhan emphasized that international energy security is threatened by these attempts to block waterways, which are vital routes for oil and gas exports.

The minister specifically called for conditions in the Strait of Hormuz to return to those in place before February 28, without fees or taxes imposed on shipping companies.