Bahrain, Egypt call for int'l cooperation to protect Strait of Hormuz

ISTANBUL

Bahrain and Egypt on Saturday called for international cooperation to protect the Strait of Hormuz, stressing the importance of "stopping Iran’s threats to disrupt freedom of navigation" in the Strait of Hormuz.

The call came during a meeting between Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who arrived in Bahrain after visiting Qatar and the United United Arab Emirates amid rising regional tensions, according to the Bahrain News Agency.

The two leaders "affirmed that protecting maritime routes is a shared international responsibility requiring cooperation from all in the region and the world," the media outlet said.

They also called for the "immediate" cessation of all attacks by Iran on the Gulf countries and Jordan, "as well as the immediate and unconditional halt of any provocation or threat to neighboring states."

Sisi and Al Khalifa expressed "the inherent right" of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Jordan to defend themselves against those attacks.

The leaders also emphasized their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, highlighting the importance of continued efforts to enhance these ties.

On Thursday, Sisi visited Doha after traveling from Abu Dhabi, where he discussed regional developments and affirmed Egypt’s full solidarity with the two Gulf states, which have also been targeted by Iranian attacks.

The US-Israeli strikes on Iran began on Feb. 28, with Tehran retaliating with repeated drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.

Iran has also effectively closed to most ships the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transit route that normally handles about 20 million barrels per day and roughly 20% of global liquefied natural gas trade.

*Writing by Rania Abushamala in Istanbul.