Saudi FM calls for Strait of Hormuz to return to pre-Feb. 28 status

UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on Saturday stressed the importance of restoring the situation in the Strait of Hormuz to its pre-Feb. 28 status without the imposition of any fees or restrictions.

Cargo ships are pictured off the coast of the Khor Fakkan Container Terminal, located outside the Strait of Hormuz, in United Arab Emirates, June 19, 2026. (File photo: VCG)

Speaking during the general debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Faisal called for freedom of navigation in international waterways, highlighting the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb Strait, Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, and rejected their use by any party as an instrument of pressure or threat.

He said the security of the Gulf region is part and parcel of the security of the region and the world at large, adding that stability in the Gulf is directly connected to global energy security, international trade and supply chains.

He noted that Saudi Arabia supports efforts and initiatives aimed at de-escalating tensions in the region and stressed the importance of ensuring that the entire region remains free of weapons of mass destruction.

The United States and Israel launched a massive military strike against Iran on Feb. 28, after which Iran retaliated by targeting Israel and multiple sites across the Middle East. The conflict has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, significantly affecting Saudi Arabia's oil exports to global markets.