The United Arab Emirates has called on the United Nations to authorize a series of measures, including the use of force, to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as Persian Gulf countries press Iran to restore free passage along the vital global energy corridor.
In a letter seen by Bloomberg addressed to the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, and the President of the Security Council, Mohamed Abushahab, the UAE ambassador to the UN, requested the Council to take “immediate measures” in order to “guarantee safe and secure navigation, as well as the rights and freedoms of navigation in and around the Strait of Hormuz”.
A revised version of the proposal on the topic of Bahrain – obtained by Associated Press – to protect commercial shipping in and around the waterway removed explicit authorization for military action, although it retains the language associated with it. A vote on the new version is scheduled for tomorrow, according to a UN diplomat who was not authorized to comment on undisclosed plans.
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The original text had been included in Chapter Seven of the UN Charter, which allows the Council to authorize actions ranging from sanctions to the use of force. But it faced opposition from Iran’s permanent allies on the Security Council, China and Russia, both members with veto power. The US and Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates, had been lobbying in favor of the proposal.
The diplomat said the watered-down language will still be difficult for China and Russia to accept, but is expected to get the votes needed to be approved by the 15-member Council.
*With information from the Associated Press.
