Bahrain's Ambassador to the United Nations, Jamal Alrowaiei, expressed support for a draft Security Council resolution aimed at bolstering maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. The proposal, co-sponsored by the United States and Gulf countries, seeks to address recent regional tensions, including reports of Iranian missiles striking a UAE oil port on Monday and the U.S. Destroying six Iranian small boats on the same day. Ambassador Alrowaiei stated, "The draft resolution calls for Iran to immediately cease all attacks and threats against merchant and commercial vessels."
The resolution is guided by the principle of freedom of navigation under international law. Ambassador Alrowaiei further noted, "The draft also addresses the placement of mines and illegal tolling in the strait. Allowing such action to become normalised is unacceptable." He reiterated the core tenet, saying, "The draft resolution is guided by the clear principle: freedom of navigation in accordance with international law."
Draft Resolution Details
The draft resolution, operating under Chapter VII of the U.N. Charter, condemns alleged violations and "continuing actions and threats aimed at closing, obstructing, tolling, or otherwise interfering with the lawful exercise of navigational rights and freedoms through the Strait of Hormuz," including the laying of sea mines. Ambassador Jamal Alrowaiei stated, "The draft also addresses the placement of mines and illegal tolling in the strait. Allowing such action to become normalised is unacceptable." The text demands that Iran immediately cease attacks, disclose the locations of any mines, and refrain from impeding clearance operations. Chapter VII authorizes the Security Council to implement measures ranging from sanctions to military action. If Tehran fails to halt attacks and threats to commercial shipping, the resolution could lead to sanctions against Iran and potentially authorize force. The U.N. Secretary general would be required to report back within 30 days on compliance with the established measures.
US-Led Maritime Coalition
The draft resolution urges Iran to immediately cease all attacks and threats against merchant and commercial vessels, as stated by Bahrain's Ambassador to the United Nations, Jamal Alrowaiei. "The draft resolution calls for Iran to immediately cease all attacks and threats against merchant and commercial vessels," Ambassador Alrowaiei affirmed. Amid these developments, Washington has circulated a proposal for a new multinational maritime coalition, named the Maritime Freedom Construct (MFC). The United States described the MFC as a U.S.-led coordination body designed to collaborate with a distinct Franco-British maritime mission that involves approximately 30 countries. On Monday, the U.S. Reported destroying six Iranian small boats, further noting the tensions in the region.
Diplomatic Maneuvers and Opposition
U.N. Security Council members are scheduled to begin discussions on Tuesday regarding a draft resolution backed by the United States and Bahrain. Washington intends to circulate a final version of the draft by May 8, with the aim of holding a vote early the following week. This diplomatic push comes as Russia and China continue to have a competing text under consideration. An earlier resolution proposed by Bahrain, also supported by the U.S. Did not pass after Russia and China blocked its adoption.
