Bahrain UN Draft Resolution Authorizes Force to Protect Strait of Hormuz Shipping
Bahrain Seeks UN Authorization for Force to Protect Hormuz Shipping
Bahrain has formally proposed a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council that would authorize the use of force to safeguard commercial shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil supplies. The move, revealed in a draft text seen by Reuters on Monday, reflects escalating tensions in the region and growing concerns over potential disruptions to international trade. Bahrain proposes UN Security Council approve use of force to protect Hormuz shipping, a proposition that highlights the increasing instability in the region and the potential for wider conflict.
What the Resolution Proposes
The draft resolution, backed by other Gulf Arab states and the United States according to diplomats, calls upon member states to employ “all necessary means” – a phrase widely understood to include military force – to ensure the safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. This authorization would extend to acting individually or as part of voluntary multinational naval coalitions, and crucially, would encompass actions within the territorial waters of countries bordering the strait. The resolution explicitly condemns Iran’s actions as a threat to international peace and security, demanding an immediate cessation of attacks against merchant and commercial vessels and any attempts to impede navigation.
The Strategic Importance of the Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It is arguably the world’s most important oil chokepoint, facilitating the transit of approximately 20% of global oil supplies. Disruptions to shipping through the strait would have significant economic consequences, potentially driving up oil prices and impacting global energy markets. Closing the Strait has been a stated objective of Iran in the past, and recent incidents involving attacks on vessels have raised fears of a potential blockade. Reuters reports that shipping through the waterway has nearly halted following Iranian actions against vessels in conflicts with the U.S. And Israel.
Chapter VII Authority and Potential Sanctions
The proposed resolution is drafted under Chapter Seven of the United Nations Charter, a significant aspect of the proposal. Chapter Seven grants the Security Council the authority to authorize a wide range of measures, including economic sanctions and the use of military force, to maintain or restore international peace and security. In addition to authorizing the use of force, the draft resolution also expresses the Security Council’s willingness to impose targeted sanctions against Iran.
Prospects for Adoption: A Likely Veto
Despite the backing of Bahrain, the United States, and other Gulf Arab states, the resolution faces significant hurdles to adoption within the Security Council. Diplomats from several countries have indicated that Russia and China, both permanent members of the Council with veto power, are likely to oppose the resolution. A resolution requires at least nine affirmative votes and the absence of a veto from any of the five permanent members – Russia, China, the United States, Britain, and France – to be adopted. The Jerusalem Post notes that this dynamic makes the resolution’s passage improbable.
Alternative Approaches and U.S. Deployment
Recognizing the likely veto, France is reportedly working on an alternative draft resolution that would seek a UN mandate for action only after the situation in the region has de-escalated. This approach aims to avoid a direct confrontation with Russia and China although still providing a framework for international action if necessary. Meanwhile, the United States is reportedly deploying approximately 2,500 Marines, along with the USS Boxer amphibious assault ship and accompanying warships, to the region. While officials have not specified the Marines’ role, sources have indicated that potential targets could include Iranian coastal areas or the Kharg Island oil export hub. Details were not provided regarding a potential decision to send troops into Iran itself.
Confirmed vs. Unclear
Confirmed: Bahrain has proposed a UN Security Council resolution authorizing force to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The draft resolution is supported by other Gulf Arab states and the United States. The resolution is drafted under Chapter Seven of the UN Charter. The U.S. Is deploying 2,500 Marines and the USS Boxer to the region.
Unclear: The specific role of the deployed U.S. Marines remains undefined. Whether the U.S. Will decide to send troops into Iran is still undecided. The exact nature of France’s alternative resolution has not been fully disclosed. The response of Russia and China to the Bahraini proposal remains officially unstated.
The situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz remains fluid and highly sensitive. The Bahraini proposal represents a significant escalation in diplomatic efforts to address the growing threat to international shipping, but its ultimate success hinges on the willingness of all parties to engage in constructive dialogue and avoid further escalation. Arab News PK reports that 22 nations have signaled readiness to act, though the form of that action remains to be seen.