Around 80 countries have called for the urgent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and condemned Iran and the Houthis over attacks in the region and disruptions to international trade and energy security.

Axar.az reports, citing Reuters, that a joint statement was read at the UN by Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani.

“Iran's actions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to threaten international security and navigational rights and freedoms,” the statement said.

“We also strongly condemn the Houthis' decision to resume conflict in Yemen, their continuous strikes on Saudi Arabia, and their reckless attacks in the Red Sea,” it added.

The statement said the Houthis’ advance toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait would further increase risks to international shipping, maritime security and global trade.

The signatories included Gulf Arab states and major Western powers. Iran and the Houthis have described their actions as defensive.