Saudi Arabia raises alarm over growing threats to global trade and energy security

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Saturday warned that rising threats in the Middle East could undermine international peace, energy security and global trade.

He called for greater international cooperation to safeguard Gulf countries and key maritime routes.

Addressing the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Prince Faisal said Saudi Arabia and other regional states had faced what he described as “flagrant Iranian attacks” targeting security facilities, as well as civilian and economic infrastructure.

He reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s right to defend its security and sovereignty, along with its citizens, residents and national resources, while urging the international community to address threats to global peace and security.

“The security of the Gulf region is part and parcel of the security of the region and the world at large,” he said.

The foreign minister said stability in the Gulf was closely linked to global energy security, international trade and supply chains.

He called for freedom of navigation through international waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb Strait, Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, and opposed their use as tools of pressure or threats.

Prince Faisal also called for the Strait of Hormuz to return to the situation before February 28, without any fees or restrictions being imposed.

Amid the tensions, he expressed support for de-escalation efforts led by Qatar, Pakistan and other countries, and called for comprehensive and sustainable regional security arrangements that address the underlying causes of instability.