GCC Supports UN Resolution on Protecting Shipping in Strait of Hormuz

DUBAI, Apr 2: Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states have expressed support for a United Nations resolution that would authorise the use of “all necessary measures” to ensure the security of international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf, and the Gulf of Oman.

At a UN Security Council meeting on Thursday, GCC Secretary-General Jassim Albudaiwi said Iran’s retaliatory strikes against regional countries had “exceeded all red lines.” He also stressed that the six GCC member states must be directly included in any future negotiations or agreements with Iran concerning regional security arrangements.

The proposed resolution, backed by Bahrain in its capacity as current UN Security Council president and a GCC member, is expected to be put to a vote on Friday. It calls on states to take “all necessary means” to safeguard freedom of navigation in key maritime routes critical to global energy and trade flows.

However, the draft resolution is facing opposition from veto-wielding members Russia and China, raising uncertainty over its adoption in the Security Council.