NEW YORK CITY: Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the UN, Abdulaziz Alwasil, on Monday warned of the risks to global trade and energy security resulting from the stalemate in the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking during a high-level UN Security Council debate on maritime security and freedom of navigation, he underscored the critically important need to protect key waterways, Hormuz in particular, amid rising regional tensions and broader global crises.
“At a time when the world is dealing with the repercussions of an unprecedented economic, social, political and environmental crisis, ensuring the safety and security of maritime navigation is more important than ever,” Alwasil said.
He described the Strait of Hormuz as a “vital lifeline” not only for countries in the region but for the wider global economy, and warned that any disruption to navigation there has direct consequences for energy markets and international supply chains.
“The Arab Gulf region is witnessing unprecedented tensions around the Strait of Hormuz,” he said. “Any threat to freedom of navigation in this strategic waterway would directly impact global stability.”
Alwasil stressed that safeguarding maritime security is a shared international responsibility that requires adherence to international law, particularly the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, to ensure freedom of transit.
He expressed regret that the Security Council had failed to adopt a resolution specifically addressing protection of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, despite what he described as the serious and ongoing threats there.
“This underscores the urgent need for greater unity within the council and for it to shoulder its responsibility in maintaining international peace and security,” he said as he called for “effective and deterrent measures.”
The Saudi envoy condemned Iran for its actions and threats targeting international shipping and freedom of navigation, warning that such behavior constituted a serious threat to global peace and stability.
“We condemn any acts or threats that seek to obstruct international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz,” Alwasil said, adding that the waterway must remain open without restrictions, in accordance with international law.
He reiterated Saudi Arabia’s support for diplomatic efforts to deescalate tensions in the region, and praised mediation initiatives led by Pakistan with the aim of reaching a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
“Dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path to achieving sustainable peace and stability,” he said.
He also called on Iran to comply with its international obligations and Security Council resolutions, and urged the international community to adopt a clear stance against attacks targeting Saudi Arabia.
Alwasil emphasized the important need to respect national sovereignty, refrain from the use or threat of force, and strengthen international cooperation to help ensure the security of vital maritime routes, particularly those essential for the transportation of food and energy supplies.
