Iran's Threats and Global Economic Security
Ahmad bin Salman Al-Musallam, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Parliamentary Group of the Kingdom of Bahrain, emphasized the wise foreign policy of Bahrain, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and supported by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The focus of this policy is on the firm belief that sustainable security and peace are achieved not through isolation but through constructive cooperation and effective partnerships. Al-Musallam highlighted Bahrain's commitment to strengthening its bilateral and multilateral relationships with countries in the Mediterranean and Europe, which contributes to cementing stability, supporting development, and enhancing shared interests. He asserted that Bahrain, an island nation located in the heart of the Arabian Gulf, fully recognizes that maritime security is equivalent to economic security, and that freedom of navigation is the lifeblood of the world.
This statement was made during the opening session of a high-level meeting held yesterday (Friday) as part of the fourth session of the Marrakech Economic Parliamentary Forum for the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf regions. This forum is under the patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco and is organized by the Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly and the Moroccan Senate in partnership with the Parliamentary Network of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, taking place on June 19-20, 2026, in Marrakech, Morocco. During his speech, Al-Musallam elaborated that the relationship between economy and politics is deeply interactive and serves as one of the main pillars upon which countries rely to shape their directions, manage their affairs, and achieve their national interests.
He added, "We gather today at this important economic forum to envision major economic transformations, diagnose regional challenges, identify strategic opportunities, and emphasize the strengthening of regional cooperation. The push towards achieving a Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf framework opens more avenues for bolstering economic integration among our nations and peoples." Al-Musallam pointed out that the security and prosperity of the Mediterranean Sea, along with the security and stability of the Strait of Hormuz, are essential foundations for achieving the desired economic growth in a time when interests intersect and challenges become more complex.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives indicated that parliaments represent one of the most important pillars of international dialogue and cooperation, given their pivotal role in coordinating positions, bridging perspectives, and enhancing mutual understanding regarding the issues and challenges facing countries and peoples. In light of a world where economic and security challenges transcend geographical boundaries, the importance of joint parliamentary action emerges as an effective tool for translating the aspirations of peoples into legislation and policies that contribute to establishing security, stability, and supporting paths for sustainable development.
He called for deepening economic cooperation among the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf countries, viewing it as a necessary imperative to face shared challenges and enhance opportunities for growth and prosperity. He stressed the need for joint projects in renewable energy, linking electricity networks, securing maritime corridors, and protecting vital infrastructure, asserting that economic strength is the true guarantee of political sovereignty. Furthermore, he underscored that discussions about the security of the Mediterranean Sea and the global economy cannot proceed without addressing the imminent threat posed by the Strait of Hormuz in the Arabian Gulf.
Al-Musallam remarked that the importance of economic cooperation is heightened in light of current developments on the international scene, especially since the Mediterranean Sea is considered one of the most important economic arteries in the world, through which more than 30% of global maritime trade passes. Additionally, the Strait of Hormuz in the Arabian Gulf serves as a strategically significant passageway, accounting for over 20% of global oil and gas supplies, which is currently under direct threat from Iran as it seeks to close the strait and disrupt navigation there, in a blatant challenge to international law.
In this context, he affirmed that the rapid developments occurring in the region, especially due to Iranian aggression, necessitate a reevaluation of the security of supply chains and energy routes. Attacks on oil tankers and threats to water passages, as well as attempts to destabilize the Arabian Gulf, represent not only a regional issue but also a direct threat to global economic security, raising insurance costs and creating volatility in energy markets that impacts citizens in Europe and North Africa before anyone else.
He urged the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean Sea to issue a clear and explicit statement condemning Iran's aggressive actions against international navigation security and rejecting any attempts to blackmail the world by closing the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized that maritime security is a collective responsibility, and those who threaten Hormuz today may threaten other international straits and maritime routes tomorrow.
Al-Musallam also expressed Bahrain's welcome of the announcement of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, which includes a framework for negotiations and a ceasefire, viewing it as an important step towards de-escalation and building trust, ultimately leading to a comprehensive agreement that contributes to establishing security, stability, and lasting peace in the Middle East and enhances international peace and security.
He reaffirmed Bahrain's position calling for Iran to comply with its international obligations under international law and principles of good neighborliness, adhering to Security Council Resolution No. (2817), which has been endorsed by 136 countries, and Human Rights Council Resolution No. (38) which was adopted by consensus, ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and other international waterways while preventing the imposition of tariffs, in addition to ceasing support for armed agents and militias and ending destabilizing activities.
On another note, the Speaker reiterated Bahrain's firm stance in supporting the rights of the brotherly Palestinian people in establishing their independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and international legitimacy resolutions, for the sake of achieving a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace.
He expressed confidence that the Mediterranean parliaments possess the wisdom and experience to steer their peoples' ships to safe harbors, calling for this forum to serve as a starting point for a new parliamentary economic charter based on respect for sovereignty, freedom of navigation, and the rejection of all forms of coercion and aggression, stating: "The future of our children, the security of our economies, and the stability of our peoples is a trust in our hands." At the conclusion of his speech, he expressed his sincere gratitude.
As reported by akhbar-alkhaleej.com.
