Author: John Ireland
PARIS, March 23 (Reuters) – Bahrain has proposed a draft United Nations Security Council resolution authorizing countries to use “all necessary means” – the diplomatic language of force – to protect commercial traffic in and around the Strait of Hormuz, according to a text seen by Reuters on Monday.
Diplomats said the draft text had support from other Gulf Arab states and the United States, although they said it was unlikely to succeed.
The move underscores growing concerns in the region that Iran may continue to threaten the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint that carries about a fifth of the world’s oil supplies and supports Gulf economies.
Closing the strait has been one of Iran’s main goals. Traffic in the waterway has all but come to a halt after Iran hit ships in its conflict with the United States and Israel.
The draft resolution said Iran’s actions pose a threat to international peace and security.
The text would authorize states to act individually or through voluntary multinational naval alliances to use “all necessary means” in and around the Strait of Hormuz – including the territorial waters of coastal states – to ensure passage and prevent actions that impede or interfere with international navigation.
The resolution also expressed readiness to take measures, including targeted sanctions.
Bahrain and the U.S. mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The text of the draft “requires the Islamic Republic of Iran to immediately cease all attacks on merchant ships and merchant ships, as well as any attempts to impede lawful transit passage or freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and its surrounding areas.”
Two European and one Western diplomats said the chances of the Security Council passing such a resolution were slim as Iran’s allies Russia and China could veto the text if necessary.
A resolution requires at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes from Russia, China, the United States, 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.
However, diplomats said France was also working on an alternative draft resolution and would seek UN authorization once the situation calmed down.
Three U.S. officials told Reuters that 2,500 Marines, along with the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer and accompanying warships, would be deployed to the area, without saying what their roles would be.
Two officials said no decision had yet been made on whether to send troops to Iran. Sources previously told Reuters that possible targets could include the Iranian coast or the oil export hub of Khag Island.
The resolution will be governed by Chapter 7 of the U.N. Charter, which allows the Security Council to authorize a range of actions from sanctions to the use of force.
(Additional reporting by David Brunstrom in Washington; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
