The United States and its Gulf allies are renewing a push for a U.N. Security Council resolution demanding that Iran keep the Strait of Hormuz open, warning that additional steps, including sanctions, could be considered if Tehran does not comply.
The U.S. State Department said Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement on May 5 (local time) formally proposing the resolution to safeguard freedom of navigation through the strait.
The draft was prepared by the United States with Bahrain and Gulf regional allies Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar. It calls on Iran to halt attacks on vessels, stop laying mines and cease collecting transit fees. It also demands that Iran disclose the locations of mines it has placed, cooperate in mine removal and work to establish humanitarian corridors.
The new text takes a more cautious approach than a measure that failed last month. Reuters and other outlets reported the draft, mindful of Russia and China, removes language that would explicitly authorize military action. It retains the framework of Chapter VII of the U.N. Charter, leaving a basis for enforcement measures that could include sanctions and military steps.
The resolution condemns alleged recent ceasefire violations by Iran and describes any attempt to close or obstruct navigation through the strait, or to impose transit fees, as a threat to international peace and security. It says disruptions from a blockade are affecting shipments of essential goods, including relief supplies and fertilizer, and urges Iran to cooperate in creating routes for humanitarian assistance.
Under the draft, the U.N. secretary-general would report to the Security Council within 30 days on whether Iran is complying. If Iran fails to meet the demands, the council would reconvene to consider additional measures, including sanctions. The United States aims to circulate the text by May 8 and seek a vote next week.
At a White House briefing, Rubio said, “Everyone doesn’t want this to be blocked by a veto again, and we adjusted the wording slightly.” He added, “I don’t know if we can avoid a veto,” and said he believes the effort is “a real test of whether the U.N. is actually a functioning body.”
Reuters also reported the United States has proposed creating a multinational maritime coalition called the Maritime Freedom Construct (MFC).
The MFC would work with a separate maritime mission led by the United Kingdom and France, aiming to fully resume transit through the Strait of Hormuz once conditions stabilize. About 30 countries are reported to be under discussion for participation in that maritime mission.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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