A Gulf state is asking the UN to authorize the use of force against Iran to unblock the Strait of Hormuz
Bahrain has submitted to the UN Security Council a draft resolution that would authorize states to use “all necessary means” – diplomatic wording for the use of force – to protect commercial shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz, according to the text obtained by Reuters on Monday.
Diplomats contacted by Reuters said the draft text was supported by other Gulf Arab states and the United States, although they said it was unlikely to be adopted.
The initiative underscores growing concerns in the region and elsewhere in the world that Iran could continue to threaten the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic point through which about a fifth of global oil supplies transit.
Closing the strait was one of Iran's main goals. Shipping through this route came to a near standstill after Iran struck ships in the context of its conflict with the United States and Israel.
The draft resolution qualifies Iran's actions as a threat to international peace and security.
The resolution calls on Iran to immediately stop its attacks on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz
The text would authorize states, acting individually or through voluntary multinational naval coalitions, to use “all necessary means” in and around the Strait of Hormuz — including the territorial waters of riparian states — to secure passage and prevent actions that block or disrupt international navigation.
The resolution also proposes openness to other types of measures, including targeted sanctions.
The Bahraini and United States missions to the UN did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Reuters.
The draft text “calls on the Islamic Republic of Iran to immediately cease all attacks against merchant and cargo ships and any attempt to impede lawful transit or freedom of navigation in and around the Strait of Hormuz.”
Two European diplomats and one Western diplomat said there was little chance of such a resolution being passed by the Security Council, as Russia and China, Iran's allies, could use the veto if necessary.
France wants a UN mandate for the Strait of Hormuz after de-escalation
To be passed by the 15-member body, a resolution needs at least nine votes in favor and not be vetoed by Russia, China, the United States, Britain or France.
The Russian and Chinese missions to the United Nations were not immediately available for comment.
However, diplomats said France was also working on an alternative draft resolution that would seek a UN mandate after the situation calmed down.
Three US officials told Reuters that 2,500 Marines, along with the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer and accompanying warships, would be deployed to the region, although they did not specify what their role would be.
Two officials said no decision had yet been made on sending troops to Iran. Sources previously told Reuters that possible targets could include Iran's coast or the oil export terminal on Kharg Island.
The resolution would be adopted under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which allows the Council to authorize actions ranging from sanctions to the use of force.
