Nigeria: 40 countries meet to address Iran’s blockade of hormuz strait
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
Forty countries, including Nigeria, have held a virtual meeting to discuss ways to restore freedom of navigation through the vital Strait of Hormuz, which has been blocked by Iran. The meeting, organized by the UK, comes amid growing pressure on Iran to reopen the strait, a critical path for global oil trade.
The countries, including the US, UK, France, Germany, and Gulf states, have condemned Iran’s actions and pledged to contribute to efforts to ensure safe passage through the waterway.
The UK is seeking a UN mandate to use force to protect the strait, while France has suggested a diplomatic approach, involving consultation with Iran.
The blockade has halted nearly all traffic in the strait, trapping 20,000 seafarers on 2,000 ships and sending petroleum prices soaring. Iran has warned of “more crushing, broader and more destructive” attacks if the US and Israel continue their campaign against it.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has called for the UN Security Council to authorize the use of force to protect the strait, and Bahrain has proposed a draft resolution to greenlight states to use “all necessary measures” to assure free transit.
