US seeks UN-backed action for Hormuz

Agencies

PARIS

UN Security Council members will begin talks on Tuesday on a US and Bahrain 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, three Western diplomats said. Fresh exchanges of fire on Monday underscored the stakes as the US 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.

The US diplomatic push at the UN is in stark contrast to recent months during which it has largely acted outside the UN framework, launching military strikes against Iran without seeking council authorisation and pressing allies to join ad hoc naval patrols to enforce freedom of navigation. That approach drew resistance from partners wary of open-ended conflict and legal exposure, prompting sharp criticism from President Donald Trump against countries he accused of failing to align with US-led efforts.

Washington has also circulated a proposal to partners for a new multinational maritime coalition, the Maritime Freedom Construct (MFC), aimed at establishing a post-conflict security architecture for the Middle East and reopening the Strait once conditions stabilise. An earlier Bahraini resolution that was backed by the US and appeared to open a path to legitimise its military action against Iran failed after Russia and China blocked it.