US and Bahrain push UN-backed action for Hormuz as Washington seeks maritime coalition
Source: msn/Reuters
12h
PARIS, May 5 (Reuters) - U.N. Security Council members were to begin talks on Tuesday on a U.S.-backed draft resolution that could lead to sanctions against Iran, and potentially authorise force, if Tehran fails to halt attacks and threats to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, Western diplomats said.
Fresh exchanges of fire on Monday underscored the stakes as the U.S. and Iran struggle for control of the narrow waterway, a vital artery for global energy and trade, shaking a fragile four-week-old truce and reinforcing rival maritime blockades.
A statement from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the resolution, also drafted by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar, would require Iran "to cease attacks, mining, and tolling" and demands that Iran disclose the number and location of the sea mines it has laid and cooperate with efforts to remove them.
Rubio said it would also require Iran to support the establishment of a humanitarian corridor. "The United States looks forward to this resolution being voted on in the coming days and to receiving support from Security Council members," he said. An earlier Bahraini resolution that was backed by the United States and appeared to open a path to legitimise its military action against Iran failed after Russia and China blocked it.
Read more: https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/us-and-bahrain-push-un-backed-action-for-hormuz-as-washington-seeks-maritime-coalition/ar-AA22sFs3