Bahraini-American move in the Security Council to end the closure of the Strait of Hormuz

The Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America have submitted a new draft resolution to the UN Security Council, aimed at addressing the escalating crisis in the Strait of Hormuz. The proposal directly calls on Tehran to immediately cease all attacks and threats targeting international navigation and trade in this strategic waterway.

This diplomatic move comes after Iranian authorities closed the strait early last March, a step that followed widespread military confrontations on February 28. This closure represents a direct threat to one of the world's most vital energy arteries, on which international markets critically depend.

The Permanent Representative of Bahrain to the United Nations, Jamal Al Ruwaiei, affirmed that the draft resolution enjoys broad support from countries in the region, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait. Al Ruwaiei explained in press statements that securing the strait is an utmost necessity not only for the stability of the Gulf states but also to ensure the safety of the global economy and avoid financial collapses.

The Bahraini diplomat stressed that recent field developments have proven the urgent need to keep the strategic passage fully open and secure for ship traffic. He indicated that the draft resolution seeks to enhance international collective action to confront security challenges that hinder the flow of essential goods and energy resources to various continents of the world.

The new proposal is based on the previous Security Council Resolution 2817, which earlier condemned Iranian attacks on countries in the region and demanded their immediate cessation. That resolution was approved by 13 member states of the Council, while Russia and China chose to abstain from voting at that time.

The current proposal includes explicit provisions demanding a halt to naval mine-laying operations that threaten commercial vessels and giant oil tankers. The text also addresses the rejection of imposing any illegal fees or arbitrary restrictions on navigation, considering them a blatant violation of international laws and norms governing the seas.

Among the humanitarian aspects of the draft resolution is the call for participation in UN efforts to establish a safe humanitarian corridor within the Strait of Hormuz to facilitate the movement of essential supplies. This provision is guided by the internationally guaranteed principle of freedom of navigation, to ensure that civilians and basic needs are not affected by the ongoing military conflicts in the region.

The Bahraini mission expressed its aspiration for constructive work with all members of the Security Council in the coming days to finalize the drafting of the resolution. This move aims to mobilize the greatest possible international support to ensure the implementation of the provisions and achieve a real breakthrough in the international navigation crisis.

In a related context, the Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, Alia Ahmed Al Thani, affirmed that the continued closure of the strait has had devastating economic consequences. She explained in a joint media briefing with representatives of Gulf and American countries that the damage has affected all GCC countries and extended to global markets without exception.

The Qatari representative warned that the transformation of the crisis from its regional scope to a global crisis has become a tangible reality due to the strait's close link to logistical supply chains. She pointed out that the global energy sector is experiencing a state of severe confusion as a result of the disruption of export and re-export operations from this sensitive region.

Diplomatic reports revealed that approximately 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade has been disrupted as a result of recent Iranian measures. This disruption has led to sharp price fluctuations and a breakdown in supply networks, putting global energy security at risk amid fears of a long-term economic recession.

Sources indicated the existence of a silent humanitarian crisis, with more than 20,000 sailors stranded at sea due to the halt in navigation. The powers signing the draft resolution considered this situation a real threat to international peace and security, necessitating immediate and decisive intervention by the Security Council to enforce legal order in the strait.

The Strait of Hormuz is important not only for the stability and prosperity of the Gulf region but for the entire global economy, and recent developments underscore the need for collective action.