A United Nations Security Council resolution proposed by Bahrain, which would authorise countries to use “all necessary means” to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, is encountering opposition from some member states concerned about the prospect of UN-backed military action against Iran, according to three council diplomats.
The draft resolution, obtained by The Associated Press on Tuesday, comes as world powers seek to address Iran's stranglehold on the vital waterway, which has driven up fuel prices and threatened the global economy. The text would authorise countries or naval partnerships to use military force to secure passage and “repress, neutralise and deter attempts to close, obstruct or otherwise interfere with international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.” It also demands that Iran “immediately cease all attacks against merchant and commercial vessels” and stop impeding freedom of navigation in and around the strait.
One diplomat said the draft was being revised on Tuesday after several countries raised objections to placing the resolution under Chapter Seven of the UN Charter, which permits the council to authorise actions ranging from sanctions to the use of force. China and Russia, both veto-wielding members of the 15-member council, are among those opposed to the current text, according to another diplomat.
Bahrain, the Arab representative on the council, has been targeted by Iranian drones and missiles since the US and Israel began striking Iran on 28 February. It is unclear whether the US, which holds the council presidency this month, supports the measure. US envoy Mike Waltz has previously stated America's preference for regional leadership on the issue.
France introduced a separate resolution on Monday that makes no mention of Iran and would not fall under Chapter Seven, instead urging all parties to refrain from further escalation and return to diplomacy. The French mission to the UN did not respond to requests for comment. Given the disagreements, neither draft is expected to be put to a vote this week.
Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil supply passes, while claiming to allow safe passage for vessels from countries other than its enemies. Attacks on ships have halted nearly all tanker traffic. The US first sought a diplomatic solution last week when President Donald Trump called for a new international coalition to send warships to the strait, but America's closest allies declined, leading Trump to suggest the US could manage alone.
