The Security Council votes on a resolution to protect the Strait of Hormuz from attacks
The international community's attention is focused today on the halls of the United Nations, where the Security Council is voting on a crucial draft resolution submitted by the Kingdom of Bahrain. This resolution seeks to authorize the use of defensive force to protect the Strait of Hormuz. This decisive step comes in response to the recent escalation of Iranian attacks and the imposition of a blockade on this vital waterway. These actions are a reaction to the US and Israeli strikes that have heightened tensions and ignited a crisis in the Middle East, threatening serious repercussions for the stability of the global economy and energy supplies.
The strategic and historical importance of the waterway
To understand the dimensions of this international move, it is necessary to consider the broader context and historical background of this maritime passage. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most strategically important waterways, connecting the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman to the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Historically, this strait has been a vital artery for global trade and has long been a point of geopolitical contention between regional and international powers. Any threat to navigation in this region not only affects the littoral states but also disrupts global supply chains, making its security a shared international responsibility that requires decisive intervention during crises to prevent the escalation of conflicts.
The repercussions of the blockade: Economic terrorism threatening the world
The significance of this event and its anticipated impact at the local, regional, and international levels are underscored by the magnitude of the threat it poses to energy markets. Prior to the tensions and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas production passed through it. The Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United Nations, Ambassador Jamal Al-Ruwaie, warned that the continuation of this situation constitutes "economic strangulation and terrorism" not only for the region but for the entire world. Disruptions to global supplies of vital commodities such as oil and fertilizers will inevitably lead to sharp increases in energy prices, further burdening global economies already grappling with inflationary challenges.
Proposed defensive measures to protect the Strait of Hormuz
In this sensitive context, the draft resolution, which has undergone several amendments and is backed by the United States, provides a legal framework for intervention. The sixth and final draft authorizes member states, either individually or through “voluntary multinational maritime partnerships,” to use “all necessary and proportionate defensive measures” to ensure the safety of ships. This applies to the strait and adjacent waters to secure transit passage and deter any attempts to close or obstruct international navigation, with the measure to remain in effect for at least six months. For his part, US President Donald Trump urged countries experiencing fuel shortages to secure their own oil, indicating that US forces would not assist them in doing so independently.
International division and fears of further escalation
Despite the urgent need to secure navigation, the draft resolution lacks international consensus. China warned that authorizing the use of force under the current circumstances could lead to “further escalation,” while Russia denounced the text as “biased.” Similarly, French President Emmanuel Macron deemed a military operation to liberate the strait “unrealistic,” arguing that it would be time-consuming and expose transiting vessels to further threats. The French ambassador to the UN, Jérôme Bonnafont, indicated that the Security Council is obligated to develop a swift defensive response. Analysts, such as Daniel Forte of the International Crisis Group, believe the text faces significant obstacles to passage due to the likelihood of a Russian and Chinese veto, emphasizing the need for a lasting political settlement rather than temporary military solutions.
Historical precedents for Security Council resolutions
Security Council resolutions authorizing member states to use military force are relatively rare in recent history, reflecting the gravity of the current situation. During the 1990 Gulf War, the Council authorized a US-led international coalition to intervene in Iraq following its invasion of Kuwait. In 2011, a similar resolution authorized NATO intervention in Libya. Today, the international community faces a new test that will determine the future of global maritime security and the ability of international institutions to maintain peace and security.
