New York, United States. Bahrain has circulated a draft UN Security Council resolution that would authorise countries to use “all necessary means” to protect commercial shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz, according to a text seen by Reuters.
Draft resolution and support
Diplomats said the draft text was backed by other Gulf Arab states and the United States, though they said it was unlikely to pass the council, where Russia and China have veto power. France circulated a more conciliatory alternative draft resolution on Monday evening, according to a text seen by Reuters.
Strait of Hormuz tensions and impact on shipping
The move comes amid concern that Iran could continue to threaten the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint that carries about a fifth of global oil supplies and supports Gulf economies. Shipping through the waterway has ground to a near-halt after Iran hit vessels in its conflict with the United States and Israel.
Provisions targeting Iran’s actions
The draft resolution describes Iran’s actions as a threat to international peace and security and demands that the Islamic Republic of Iran “immediately cease all attacks against merchant and commercial vessels and any attempt to impede lawful transit passage or freedom of navigation in and around the Strait of Hormuz.”
It would authorise countries, acting alone or through voluntary multinational naval coalitions, to use “all necessary means” in and around the Strait of Hormuz, including in the territorial waters of countries along its shores, to ensure passage and to prevent actions that block or interfere with international navigation. The resolution also expresses readiness to impose measures, including targeted sanctions.
Requests for comment
The Bahraini and U.S. missions at the United Nations did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
What do you think the UN Security Council should prioritise in responding to threats to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz?
