Video Ad Feedback Bahrain pushes for UN resolution to protect Strait of Hormuz 00:47 • Source: CNN Bahrain pushes for UN resolution to protect Strait of Hormuz 00:47
A draft UN Security Council resolution proposed by Bahrain would authorize countries to use “all defensive means necessary” to secure transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz, if adopted.
Two diplomats said the vote was set for Saturday morning, rather than Friday as earlier planned, according to Reuters.
A Gulf official said Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin and that there was an expectation Russia would not block the resolution. The official added the crown prince was expected to speak with “relevant” officials in China, with the expectation Beijing would also not block it.
However, in remarks to the Security Council on Thursday, China’s UN envoy Fu Cong opposed authorizing force, reported Reuters. Such a move would be “legitimizing the unlawful and indiscriminate use of force, which would inevitably lead to further escalation of the situation and lead to serious consequences,” he added.
The draft resolution, which CNN has obtained a copy of, deplores Iran’s actions as violations of international law and warns of adverse impacts on international trade, energy security, supply chains and the global economy.
It stresses that ships and aircraft enjoy a right of transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz that “shall not be impeded.”
The draft resolution would authorize member states, acting individually or through voluntary multinational naval partnerships that notify the Security Council in advance, to use defensive measures in the strait and adjacent waters – including within the territorial waters of littoral states bordering the strait – to secure transit passage and deter attempts to close or obstruct navigation.
The authorization would last at least six months from adoption and would require quarterly reporting by participating states.
The draft calls on participating states to coordinate their actions and ensure operations comply with international humanitarian law and applicable international human rights law, while respecting third states’ navigation rights.
It also stresses the authorization would apply only to the Strait of Hormuz and would not establish customary international law.
