Saudi foreign minister says Gulf security is inseparable from global stability at UNGA

Saudi Arabia's foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, addressed the UN General Assembly describing a deteriorating security environment in the Middle East that he said now threatens international peace, energy security and global trade. He framed the security of the Gulf as directly connected to global stability and urged international action to protect Gulf states and maritime routes.

Prince Faisal said Saudi Arabia and other regional states have faced "flagrant Iranian attacks" directed at security infrastructure, civilian facilities and economic assets. He stated the kingdom's right to defend its territory, people and resources and asked the international community to confront threats that endanger international peace and security.

Maritime routes and freedom of navigation

The speech stressed freedom of navigation through major international waterways. The foreign minister named the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden as vital to global energy flows and international trade. He rejected the use of those waterways as instruments of pressure and specifically called for the Strait of Hormuz to be returned to its status before 28 February, without new fees or restrictions.

Calls for de-escalation and regional arrangements

While warning about attacks and threats, Prince Faisal supported diplomatic de-escalation efforts, including initiatives by Qatar, Pakistan and others. He urged comprehensive, sustainable regional security arrangements that address the root causes of instability and called for the entire region to be free of weapons of mass destruction. He also said peaceful nuclear programs should operate under international oversight and safeguards.

On the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the foreign minister condemned civilian targeting, impediments to humanitarian aid, forced displacement and settlement expansion. He argued that a just and lasting peace requires a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital.

Regarding Yemen, Prince Faisal pushed for a political solution to restore stability and address humanitarian needs. He noted Saudi Arabia's provision of more than $29 billion in humanitarian and development assistance and condemned Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi territory and commercial vessels. He called on the international community to reject actions that threaten navigation in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb.

Prince Faisal connected energy security with climate action, arguing energy transitions should be realistic and inclusive of multiple energy sources. He pointed to Saudi investments in renewables, clean hydrogen, carbon capture and infrastructure resilience that align with Saudi Vision 2030. He also urged international cooperation on the responsible use of artificial intelligence, mentioning Saudi initiatives on AI capacity-building and ethics.

The foreign minister concluded that major global challenges cannot be addressed by single countries acting alone. He urged adherence to the UN Charter, respect for international law and international cooperation aimed at peaceful solutions, stability and development.