Bahrain pushes UN resolution allowing force to protect Strait of Hormuz

Bahrain has put forward a draft UN Security Council resolution that would authorise ​countries to use "all necessary means" - diplomatic language for force - to protect commercial shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz, Reuters reports.

Diplomats said the draft text was backed by other Gulf Arab states and the United States, although they said it was unlikely to get through the council, where Russia and China had veto power.

France circulated a more conciliatory alternative draft resolution, seen by Reuters.

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 Bahraini text would authorise 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 countries along its shores – 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 Bahraini and US missions at the United Nations did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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."

The resolution would be placed under Chapter Seven of the UN Charter, which allows the council ​to authorize actions ranging from sanctions to the use of force.

Two European and one Western diplomat said there was little prospect of such a resolution being adopted by the Security Council as ‌Iran's allies ⁠Russia and China were likely to veto the text if needed.

Taiwan can improve ties with Beijing without being anti-US, the leader of Taiwan's largest opposition party said.

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

The Russian and Chinese missions to the United Nations were not immediately available for comment.

France put forward its own draft, seeking a more conciliatory tone and broader support within the council.

French President Emmanuel Macron has previously argued that international efforts to secure the Strait should occur only after hostilities have calmed and with Iran’s consent.

By Vafa Guliyeva