Bahrain pushes UN-backed action for Hormuz shipping

Bahrain has submitted a draft resolution to the U.N. Security Council that would allow countries to use "all necessary means"—a term often associated with military action—to safeguard commercial shipping in and near the Strait of Hormuz, as per a document reviewed by Reuters on Monday. Diplomats indicated that this draft has the support of other Gulf Arab nations and the United States, but they also noted that it is unlikely to pass in the council due to the veto powers of Russia and China. Meanwhile, France introduced a more diplomatic alternative draft resolution, which was also seen by Reuters on Monday evening. This action highlights the growing worries in the region about Iran potentially continuing to pose a threat to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passageway that carries around 20% of the world's oil supplies and is crucial for Gulf economies. Iran has aimed to close the Strait, and shipping through this route has significantly decreased after Iran targeted vessels amid its conflict with the U.S. and Israel. The draft resolution characterizes Iran's actions as a danger to international peace and security. It would permit countries, acting individually or through voluntary multinational naval coalitions, to use "all necessary means" in and around the Strait of Hormuz, including within the territorial waters of neighboring countries, to ensure safe passage and to prevent any actions that disrupt international navigation. The resolution also indicates a willingness to impose measures, such as targeted sanctions. The Bahraini and U.S. missions at the United Nations did not immediately reply to requests for comments.