Bahraini Foreign Minister: Implications of Iranian Attacks Extend Beyond the Region and Impact the Global Economy
New York, September 26 (KUNA) -- Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani warned that the repercussions of Iranian attacks on Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Jordan extend beyond the region, affecting global energy and food prices, shipping and insurance costs, and supply chains. This statement was made during Al Zayani’s address at the high-level general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly late Friday evening.
Al Zayani stated that GCC countries and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan have been subjected to “waves of unjustified Iranian attacks using ballistic missiles and drones.” He clarified that these attacks targeted civilian facilities, residential areas, ports, airports, and energy installations, representing a “blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter.”
He noted that Iranian aggression amounted to approximately 7,000 incidents, including the launch of ballistic and cruise missiles and drones, as well as the targeting and detention of commercial vessels in the region. Al Zayani added that around 1,000 cargo and tanker ships, carrying approximately 20,000 sailors, were detained, while 72 commercial vessels were targeted, resulting in the deaths of 22 sailors.
He highlighted that behind these figures are ships, ports, markets, and families awaiting the return of their loved ones. He pointed to attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, the laying of mines in an international shipping lane, and the imposition of restrictions on transit movements.
Al Zayani reaffirmed Bahrain’s solidarity with the Gulf states that were targeted, praising the efficiency and readiness of Bahrain’s Defense Force and the air defense systems of sister GCC states in countering the attacks. He emphasized that these countries are committed to exercising their legitimate right to take lawful measures to defend their sovereignty and territorial integrity, in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter and the GCC Joint Defense Agreement.
At the same time, the Bahraini minister stressed his country’s commitment to the highest levels of restraint and its dedication to achieving security and peace for the peoples of the region.
Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Al Zayani affirmed that it constitutes an international waterway and that the right of passage for ships is guaranteed under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. He expressed Bahrain’s rejection of imposing any permit system or fees on ships transiting the strait, or using international waterways as a means of pressure, economic blackmail, or seizure of vessels. He warned that accepting such practices in one international waterway could open the door to similar demands in other routes vital to global trade, emphasizing that resorting to alternative routes should not replace adherence to international law.
Al Zayani also addressed rapid developments in the field of artificial intelligence, recalling that two years ago, Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister called for the adoption of an international treaty to govern the development of AI, aiming to support peace and prevent the escalation of conflicts. He affirmed that the goal is not to hinder technological progress, but to surround its growth with guarantees ensuring its use serves peace and stability.
In conclusion, the Bahraini Foreign Minister called for strengthening the UN’s capacity to implement its resolutions, noting that the challenge lies not in issuing more resolutions, but in ensuring their implementation and protecting the rights they enshrine. (End) A.S.T. / M.M.J.
