Cyprus News Agency

Ukrainian President Zelensky stated that he held a meeting to discuss the situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region, the challenges it poses for Ukraine and its partners, as well as the capacity to prevent the expansion of the war and stabilize global markets.

Saying that Iran poses a threat to the region and global stability, Zelensky said: “The Iranian regime, which is trying to survive at any cost, poses clear threats to all states in the region and to global stability.”

Noting that maritime transport through the Strait of Hormuz has largely stopped, Zelensky said: “No country close to Iran can feel safe. Maritime transport through the Strait of Hormuz has almost completely stopped. So far, the Iranian regime has shown no real intention for honest diplomacy or fundamental change.”

Zelensky reported that Iran has launched more than 800 missiles and more than 1,400 attack drones in recent days, adding:

“The greatest threat to free maritime transport is Iran’s missiles and drones; they also destabilize global prices of oil, petroleum products, and gas. Ukraine can contribute to protecting lives and stabilizing the situation.”

Zelensky also noted that he instructed the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, defense institutions, and security units to prepare options on how Ukraine can support countries in the region without weakening its own defense.

Zelensky also said that he spoke with Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and that they discussed the security threats posed by Iran’s ballistic missile and drone attacks.

Zelensky further stated that he discussed security developments in the Middle East with Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, noting that Iran used hundreds of drones and ballistic missiles in its attacks against Kuwait.