Manama: Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, participated in the ministerial meeting of the EU Mediterranean Group (MED9), the League of Arab States, and the Western Balkans, held virtually to discuss current challenges and their impact on regional security and stability, as well as the repercussions of tensions and instability in the Middle East and the Gulf region.
According to Bahrain News Agency, discussions focused particularly on disruptions to vital maritime corridors, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and its implications for energy security, essential commodity supplies, and international trade. In his remarks, the Foreign Minister stressed the extreme seriousness of recent developments in the Gulf, noting that the disruption of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz threatens not only the region but global stability as a whole. He highlighted that approximately 23,000 seafarers have been affected, while around 1,600 vessels from 87 countries remain stranded in the Gulf, in addition to the tragic loss of 10 seafarers' lives. He further noted that a French vessel was attacked yesterday while transiting the Strait, following more than 32 reported attacks since Iran began its unlawful blockade.
The Minister stated that the impact on the MED9 countries and their maritime interests is clear and direct. He noted that around 50 French vessels were stranded at the outset of the crisis, while 104 Greek-owned vessels remain at risk, including 11 in the Arabian Gulf. He added that two Italy-linked vessels remain stranded, 19 Cyprus-linked vessels have been affected, and around 10 Portuguese vessels remain in a critical situation. He also pointed to reports of up to 190 Croatian nationals stranded, and three attacks targeting Maltese-flagged vessels. He warned that these figures demonstrate the severe consequences for maritime navigation, supply chains, and seafarer safety.
Dr. Al Zayani explained that a new draft resolution to be presented to the United Nations Security Council has been co-drafted by the United States and the Kingdom of Bahrain, with the support of the five GCC member states, to address Iran's continued obstruction of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz over the past two months. The Minister added that the draft resolution reaffirms the principles of international law and calls on Iran to halt attacks on commercial vessels, disclose and remove naval mines, cease imposing transit fees, and facilitate a safe humanitarian corridor. He noted that the resolution sends a clear message that the Security Council is prepared to consider additional measures should Iran fail to comply.
Dr. Al Zayani further stated that the draft is grounded in broad international support reflected in UN Security Council Resolution 2817, co-sponsored by 136 countries, as well as a joint statement issued by nearly 100 countries. He emphasized that adopting the resolution is essential to safeguarding global supply chains and ensuring the safe movement of food, energy supplies, and humanitarian assistance. He also noted that it complements ongoing coordination efforts, including the French-British maritime initiative and Italy's readiness, alongside other European countries, to assist in mine-clearing operations when conditions allow.
The Minister underscored the importance of the international community seizing this opportunity to demonstrate unity in reopening the Strait, given its vital significance in freeing 23,000 seafarers and 1,600 vessels, many of which belong to MED9 countries. The meeting also discussed the implications of Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz on international trade, supply chains, and food security. Ministers stressed the importance of ensuring that vital waterways are not used as instruments of pressure, and highlighted the need for joint coordination to address the crisis, which could lead to severe humanitarian consequences, particularly for fertilizer-importing countries such as African and developing nations. They emphasized the need for practical and proactive solutions and for translating political will into tangible outcomes, announcing the launch of the "Rome Coalition for Hormuz" focused on food security.
The meeting was attended by Ambassador Shaikh Abdullah bin Ali Al Khalifa, Director General of Bilateral Relations, and Shaikha Al Anoud bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Acting Chief of the European Affairs Sector.