Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed a resolution from the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee, issued during its 84th session. The resolution calls for the Islamic Republic of Iran to immediately cease attacks and threats against commercial vessels, oil tankers, port infrastructure, and coastal civilian facilities. Such actions, according to reports, pose serious risks to maritime safety and contribute to marine pollution in the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.
Separately, Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani delivered a rebuke of Iran at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Thursday. Al Zayani condemned Iran's "unlawful and unjustified attempt to control international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz," stating that such an attempt "requires a decisive response." Bahrain has presented Security Council members with a fourth draft of a resolution aimed at protecting commercial shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz. Diplomats indicated a text had been finalized, or "put in blue," for a vote on Friday morning, with the resolution under a silence procedure until noon (1600 GMT) on Thursday. Al Zayani expressed anticipation for a unified position, saying, "We look forward to a unified position from this esteemed Council during the vote that will take place on the draft resolution tomorrow, God willing."
Bahrain's UNSC Push
Bahrain reaffirmed its firm position, urging Iran to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817 and relevant decisions from the International Maritime Organization's legal and environmental committees. This push aims to ensure the freedom and safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and other key waterways under international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani warned that Tehran's actions threaten global economic stability, particularly through risks to maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Al Zayani described escalating Iranian aggression, including attacks on Gulf states and Jordan using ballistic missiles and drones targeting "civilian infrastructure and vital facilities." The minister stated that such moves constitute an "unlawful and unjustified attempt to control international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz" and "requires a decisive response" from the international community. If passed, the proposed resolution would authorize "all necessary means" to protect commercial shipping in and around the Strait, though the latest draft specifies that steps should be 'defensive in nature.' Al Zayani noted the broad backing for Bahrain's draft resolution reflected "the international community’s strong rejection" of Tehran’s conduct.
Bahrain currently chairs the 15-member Security Council. United States President Donald Trump vowed to continue attacks on Wednesday. The resolution is set to expire on May 02, 2026.
International Reactions and Opposition
China's UN envoy, Fu Cong, signaled opposition to authorizing member states to use force, stating that such a measure would risk "legitimizing the unlawful and indiscriminate use of force, which would inevitably lead to further escalation of the situation and lead to serious consequences." A Security Council resolution requires at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes from its five permanent members: the United States, Russia, China, Britain, and France.
The secretary-general of the 22-member League of Arab States, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, told the Security Council that the organization backed Bahrain's efforts to secure a resolution. Aboul Gheit echoed Bahrain's concerns, describing Iran's actions as an "unlawful and unjustified attempt to control international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz" that "requires a decisive response." The latest draft of the resolution seen by Reuters sets a six-month time limit for the proposed steps, which are specified as being "defensive in nature."
Broader Maritime Security Concerns
Bahrain called for stronger regional and international cooperation to safeguard natural resources, biodiversity, and maritime and environmental security. The escalating conflict has now effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz to shipping traffic, impacting global commerce. Oil prices have surged following the U.S. And Israel's actions against Iran at the end of February, further noting the economic ramifications of regional instability. The secretary-general of the 22-member League of Arab States, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, has described Iran's actions as an "unlawful and unjustified attempt to control international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz" that "requires a decisive response" from the international community. This assessment echoes concerns raised by Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, who has also condemned these attempts to control international navigation, emphasizing the need for a firm international response.
