Bahrain proposes UN Security Council approve use of force to protect Hormuz shipping

Bahrain has put forward a draft of a United Nations Security Council resolution that would authorize countries to use “all necessary means” — diplomatic language for force — to protect commercial shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz, according to a text seen by Reuters.

Diplomats say the draft text is backed by other Gulf Arab states and the United States, although they say it is unlikely to succeed.

The move underscores mounting concern in the region that Iran could continue to threaten the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint that carries about a fifth of global oil supplies and underpins Gulf economies.

Closing the Strait has been one of Iran’s main objectives. Shipping through the waterway has ground to a near-⁠halt after Iran hit vessels in its conflict with the US and Israel.

The draft resolution calls Iran’s actions a threat to international peace and security.

The text would authorize 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 littoral states – to ensure passage and to prevent moves that block or interfere with international navigation.

The resolution also expresses the readiness to impose measures, including targeted sanctions.

The draft text “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.”

Two European and one Western diplomat say there is little prospect of such a resolution being adopted by the Security Council, as Iran’s allies Russia and China are likely to veto the text if needed.

A resolution needs at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes by Russia, China, the US, Britain, or France to be adopted by the 15-member body.

However, the diplomats say France is also working on an alternative draft resolution that would seek a UN mandate once the situation has calmed.