Bahrain Revises UN Resolution for Hormuz Shipping

0:00It's April 1st. You're listening to Global News today, AI-powered Global Coverage. Bahrain just dropped a revised draft resolution at the UN Security Council to safeguard commercial shipping through the strait of Hormuz. The key change keeps language allowing all necessary means to protect vessels, but drops the direct nod to Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, which could greenlight sanctions or force. Shipping in that vital waterway, caring about one-fifth of the world's oil and fueling Gulf economies has ground nearly to a halt. Iran hit some vessels during its clashes with the United States and Israel, spiking tensions and risks for everyone relying on those routes. The original draft, backed by Gulf states in Washington, explicitly called out Chapter 7, but diplomats knew Russia and China would likely veto. It, a resolution needs nine Yes votes and no permanent member blocks from the U.S., Russia, China, Britain, or France. This updated version still empowers countries or voluntary naval groups to use proportional force in the strait, the Gulf, and Gulf of Oman, even near territorial waters to secure safe passage and stop disruptions.

1:11It also pushes nations dependent on these sea lanes to team up on defenses like escorting merchant ships. Negotiations continue, with a possible vote as early as Thursday aiming to ease the standoff without forcing a showdown at the council.