Manama: Bahrain and Egypt have called for international cooperation to protect the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the need to halt Iran's threats to disrupt freedom of navigation in the vital waterway. This appeal was made during a meeting between Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who visited Bahrain following trips to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates amid escalating regional tensions.

According to Anadolu Agency, the two leaders highlighted that safeguarding maritime routes is an international responsibility that requires cooperation from regional and global players. They urged the immediate cessation of Iranian attacks on Gulf countries and Jordan, advocating for an unconditional halt to any provocations or threats against neighboring states.

Sisi and Al Khalifa affirmed the Gulf Cooperation Council countries' and Jordan's right to self-defense against such attacks. Additionally, they stressed their commitment to bolstering bilateral relations and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance these ties further.

During his visit to Doha, following his trip from Abu Dhabi, Sisi discussed regional developments and reiterated Egypt's complete solidarity with the two Gulf states, both of which have been subjected to Iranian attacks. The regional tensions follow US-Israeli strikes on Iran that commenced on February 28, prompting Tehran to retaliate with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.

Iran's actions have effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz to most ships, a critical oil transit route that typically handles about 20 million barrels per day and approximately 20% of the global liquefied natural gas trade.