Bahrain Proposes UN Security Council Resolution Authorizing Force to Protect Hormuz Shipping

Bahrain submitted a draft UN Security Council resolution under Chapter VII authorizing countries to use 'all necessary means' — including military force — to protect commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The draft, backed by Gulf Arab states and the United States, would permit operations in territorial waters of littoral states and demand Iran 'immediately cease all attacks against merchant and commercial vessels.' Diplomats assess Russia and China will veto the resolution; France is reportedly drafting an alternative text for when the situation stabilizes.