Saudi Minister Warns UN of Global Energy Threat from Blockaded Waterways

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud addressed the United Nations General Assembly on Saturday, warning that attempts to block Middle East waterways threaten global energy security.

Since the US and Israel launched their war on Iran in late February, Tehran has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The Houthi rebels in Yemen have subsequently done the same in the Bab Al Mandab Strait, both vital routes for oil and gas exports.

The minister stressed that the international community must assume its responsibilities in confronting threats to international peace and security.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan demanded the return of conditions in the Strait of Hormuz to what they were before February 28, without imposing any fees or taxes. He also rejected any party's use of these vital passages as a tool for pressure, threat, or harm to the interests of states, consistent with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.