U.S. and Gulf Nations Propose UN Security Council Resolution to Restore Freedom of Navigation in Strait of Hormuz

WASHINGTON — The United States, together with Bahrain and other Gulf Cooperation Council nations, has drafted a new United Nations Security Council resolution demanding that Iran immediately cease attacks on commercial shipping, stop imposing illegal tolls, disclose the locations of all sea mines it has laid in the Strait of Hormuz, and cooperate with international efforts to clear them.

The draft resolution, obtained by multiple news outlets on May 5, 2026, operates under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which authorizes the Security Council to impose sanctions or other measures — potentially including military force — to maintain or restore international peace and security. It also calls on Iran to “immediately participate in and enable” United Nations efforts to establish a humanitarian corridor in the strait to ensure the safe delivery of vital aid, fertilizer, and other essential goods.

The proposed measure was announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and is co-sponsored by Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar. It comes as the Trump administration pushes forward with “Project Freedom,” a U.S.-led operation to guide stranded commercial vessels safely through the strait amid ongoing Iranian restrictions.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint for roughly 20% of global seaborne oil trade. Iran has effectively controlled much of the waterway since the conflict escalated in late February 2026, laying mines, firing on vessels, and imposing tolls, which has stranded dozens of ships and severely disrupted energy markets. Oil prices have remained elevated as a result.

The resolution reaffirms the right of all nations to defend their vessels from attacks and provocations and calls on other countries not to assist Iran in obstructing navigation. It stops short of explicitly authorizing force but leaves open the possibility of “effective measures commensurate with the gravity of the situation, including sanctions,” if Iran fails to comply.

Iran has already signaled strong opposition. Senior Iranian officials have described any foreign military involvement in the strait as a violation of the ceasefire and have warned that U.S. or coalition forces attempting to escort ships would be met with force. Tehran continues to insist that any resolution of the crisis must include the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports.

The draft will now undergo negotiations among Security Council members. Russia and China previously blocked an earlier, less forceful resolution on the strait in March and April 2026, raising questions about whether the new, tougher text can secure the necessary nine votes and avoid a veto.

For the Trump administration, the proposed resolution represents a diplomatic escalation to complement its military and economic pressure on Iran. It seeks to internationalize the effort to restore freedom of navigation while maintaining the naval blockade until a comprehensive nuclear and regional security agreement is reached.

No vote date has been set, and diplomats expect intense negotiations in the coming days. The outcome could significantly influence both the viability of the current ceasefire and the broader trajectory of U.S.-Iran relations in the Persian Gulf.