US-Gulf Draft UN Resolution to Hold Iran Accountable over Hormuz Closurehttps://english.aawsat.com/gulf/5270122-us-gulf-draft-un-resolution-hold-iran-accountable-over-hormuz-closure
US-Gulf Draft UN Resolution to Hold Iran Accountable over Hormuz Closure
A UN Security Council session held on March 12 (Reuters)
The United States and Bahrain have begun drafting a UN Security Council resolution aimed at holding Iran accountable for closing the Strait of Hormuz and advancing international efforts to reopen it to commercial shipping.
US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz, speaking during a phone press conference on Monday, said the draft states that the Security Council strongly condemns repeated attacks and threats by Iran against commercial vessels, as well as actions aimed at obstructing lawful transit through the Strait of Hormuz. These include the laying of naval mines and the imposition of illegal fees on ships.
The proposal determines that such actions constitute a threat to international peace and security, opening the possibility of placing the resolution under Chapter VII of the UN Charter and, consequently, the potential adoption of enforcement measures at a later stage.
It affirms the right of all ships and aircraft to transit the Strait of Hormuz without unlawful interference, in accordance with international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
It further calls on Iran to immediately cease all attacks or threats directed against commercial shipping, as well as any attempts to obstruct or impede freedom of navigation.
A key provision stipulates that Iran must disclose the number of mines it has laid and their precise locations in and around the Strait of Hormuz, and work toward their removal. The draft also calls on Tehran to refrain from interfering in international demining efforts.
Humanitarian corridor
Another clause asks Iran to cooperate with the United Nations in establishing a humanitarian corridor in the Strait of Hormuz, aimed at facilitating the flow of essential goods, including food and fertilizers, which the text says have been disrupted by recent developments in the region.
It also includes a prohibition on any UN member state assisting Iran in closing the strait or restricting transit through it. At the same time, it affirms the right of states to defend their vessels against attacks, in accordance with international law.
This is the latest diplomatic effort by Washington and Manama after China and Russia vetoed a similar resolution hours before a temporary ceasefire was announced in early April.
Waltz said negotiations on the draft would take place this week, adding that it remains unclear whether the resolution will include an enforcement mechanism to secure navigation in the strait.
He revealed that Bahrain is contributing to drafting the text, with input from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, in a way that would require Iran to halt attacks on commercial vessels and attempts to impose transit fees, as well as to stop laying naval mines and disclose their locations.
Waltz underlined that the draft is narrower in scope than the previous unsuccessful proposal and comes amid a ceasefire with Iran.
The United States and Gulf countries are continuing negotiations this week and are seeking swift adoption of the resolution, provided consensus among the countries concerned is maintained.
Waltz framed the issue not only as part of a confrontation with Iran but also as a matter related to international law and the freedom of global trade, stressing that no country has the right to blackmail global trade.
A previous draft resolution blocked by Russia and China had sought authorization for the use of defensive force to protect navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and free it from Iranian attacks. It also would have allowed states, individually or through voluntary multinational maritime partnerships, to use all necessary and proportionate defensive means, applying to the strait and adjacent waters to secure passage and deter attempts to close, obstruct or otherwise interfere in any way with international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil passes.
Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi, UK Defense Ministers Discuss Strategic Defense Relations
Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz held on Wednesday a phone call with United Kingdom Secretary of State for Defense Wes Streeting for talks on strategic defense relations between their countries.
They also discussed joint efforts to address regional developments.
They reaffirmed their support for measures that promote regional security and stability and exchanged views on issues of mutual concern.
Saudi Arabia: No Compromise in Protecting our Security, Will Respond Firmly to Any Threathttps://english.aawsat.com/gulf/5324538-saudi-arabia-no-compromise-protecting-our-security-will-respond-firmly-any-threat
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, delivers the annual Royal Address as he inaugurates the third year of the Shura Council's ninth session on Wednesday. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia: No Compromise in Protecting our Security, Will Respond Firmly to Any Threat
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, delivers the annual Royal Address as he inaugurates the third year of the Shura Council's ninth session on Wednesday. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, stressed on Wednesday that Saudi Arabia was “making every possible effort to reduce escalation and support diplomatic solutions, without the slightest compromise when it comes to safeguarding our security.”
“We will not hesitate to respond firmly to any threat or attack that seeks to undermine it,” he declared as he delivered the annual Royal Address as he inaugurated the third year of the Shura Council's ninth session on behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Upon arrival at the Shura Council headquarters, the Crown Prince was received by Governor of Riyadh Region Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, and Speaker of the Shura Council Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh.
He was greeted by Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council Dr. Mishal Al-Sulami, Assistant Speaker of the Shura Council Dr. Hanan Al-Ahmadi, Secretary-General of the Shura Council Mohammed Al-Mutairi, and the chairs of the council's specialized committees.
Continuing the Royal Address, the Crown Prince said: “We take pride in our valiant heroes for confronting all forms of threats and for their vigilance and constant readiness, so that security continues to protect our country, stability serves as its shield, and prosperity remains its course.”
Saudi Arabia “possesses highly capable human and military resources that are fully able, by the grace of Allah, to confront and deter threats from any source.”
“The attacks targeting the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states underscore that Gulf security and stability are indivisible,” he stressed.
“We are working with our brothers to safeguard Gulf security, pursue strategic cooperation and economic integration, and continue implementing the vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for strengthening joint Gulf action, in order to achieve the GCC's goals and meet the aspirations of its citizens,” continued the Crown Prince.
“As part of our efforts to strengthen regional stability, avert the consequences of tension and conflict, and coordinate action, the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement was concluded between Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Pakistan,” he added.
“It stems from our shared commitment to fulfilling our role in enhancing regional security and stability. In this regard, we appreciate the support shown to the Kingdom by brotherly and friendly nations and their contributions to bolstering regional peace and stability,” he stated.
Members of the Shura Council at the inauguration of the third year of its ninth session. (SPA)
Strengthening int’l cooperation
Moreover, he remarked: “Today, the world is facing an energy crisis with uncertain outcomes. In this crisis, the Kingdom has served as a safeguard for global energy security by providing oil supplies to international markets despite the escalation.”
“The Kingdom also took the initiative to establish the Multinational Maritime Defense Alliance to enhance maritime security, protect shared interests in international sea lanes, and prevent their exploitation as a tool of political or economic pressure,” he noted.
“The Kingdom is making every effort, together with its partners, to strengthen international cooperation to maintain security, reduce escalation, and defuse tensions in pursuit of regional and international stability. We also stress the need for the international community to swiftly fulfill its responsibilities to ensure the safe flow of essential goods and humanitarian assistance,” he said.
“We strongly condemn the continued brutal attacks by the Israeli occupation authority against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, as well as its repeated violations of Al-Aqsa Mosque. We call on the international community, and the Board of Peace in particular, to play its anticipated role in reaching a lasting political solution,” he urged.
“The Kingdom's commitment to the rights of the Palestinian people is a firm position and an ongoing endeavor that will not cease until the Palestinian people obtain their legitimate rights, including the establishment of their independent state in accordance with international terms of reference,” stressed the Crown Prince.
“In Yemen, the Kingdom reaffirms its comprehensive support, through the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, for the Yemeni government to extend its authority throughout the country, restore stability, and confront the attacks of the terrorist Houthi militias, which have chosen chaos and destruction and the threatening of the Yemeni people and the region as their course of action,” he remarked.
“The Kingdom also reaffirms its firm support for Sudan's unity and stability, the preservation of its legitimate institutions, and sparing its people the tragedies of war and destruction,” he added.
93 percent of targets achieved
On domestic affairs, Crown Prince Mohammed said: “Allah has honored our state by entrusting it with the service and development of the Two Holy Mosques and the care of their visitors. This is an extension of our inherited commitment in this regard, reflecting our pride in this great honor with which Allah has distinguished us.”
“Ten eventful years of Vision 2030 have seen the performance indicators for its programs and strategies achieve 93% of their targets, thanks to Allah and then to the performance and efficiency of Saudi men and women, who have been the foundation of every success,” he told the Shura Council.
“Non-oil exports grew by 155% compared with 2016, reflecting the growing presence of products from this sector. The private sector’s contribution to the economy rose to 51%, while the transport and logistics ecosystem demonstrated its ability to respond to changes in supply chains and maintain the smooth flow of goods and services,” he noted.
“The Public Investment Fund has embarked on its strategy for the next five years, focusing on building highly competitive domestic economic ecosystems in pivotal partnership with the private sector, enhancing local content to achieve economic transformation and, at the same time, generating sustainable financial returns,” he continued.
“The National Development Fund is also contributing to the development of numerous sectors, supported by annual financing that ensures the achievement of their targets,” he said.
Moreover, he highlighted that the Kingdom “is advancing globally across many indicators, ranking first in the Digital Readiness Framework, the ICT Development Index and the cybersecurity indicator, and second in the GovTech Maturity Index. It has also entered the list of the 10 jurisdictions most attractive for mining investment.”
“We have designated 2026 as the ‘Year of Artificial Intelligence,’ reaffirming our commitment to making the Kingdom a global leader in developing applications and artificial intelligence solutions, using them to increase productivity, improve the quality of services, and train Saudi talent,” added Crown Prince Mohammed.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, arrives at the Shura Council. (SPA)
Adapting to change
“Current events in the region show that long-term planning does not mean rigidity or stagnation; it means the ability to adapt to changing circumstances,” he went on to say.
“Amid the successive transformations the world is witnessing, the importance of the reforms that have diversified our economy has become clear. These reforms have strengthened Saudi Arabia's resilience in times of crisis and enabled it to turn threats into opportunities to reinforce its standing and pursue its development priorities efficiently and sustainably,” he stressed.
“Current conditions attest to the resilience of the national economy, the maturity of its business sector, the strength of state institutions, and the economy's fiscal sustainability,” he pointed out.
“At the core of the Kingdom's economic policies are developing national capabilities, empowering promising sectors, attracting local and international investment, and directing resources toward the areas with the greatest economic and social impact. This approach safeguards our ability to fund development priorities and sustains our achievements for future generations,” he added.
“The fundamental goal of everything the state does is the advancement and prosperity of the nation and a better quality of life for its people,” he stressed.
“Education and healthcare remain at the forefront of our priorities and receive significant allocations in the state budget. The General Education Law was enacted to raise the quality of education to a globally advanced level, while the healthcare transformation is progressing rapidly to ensure the highest quality of service and comprehensive coverage for all citizens,” said the Crown Prince.
“Building on our success in reducing unemployment, we are investing in human capital to maximize citizens' opportunities to enter the labor market, enabling them to compete and excel in all fields as the driving force of development,” he noted.
“Real estate reforms have provided citizens with diverse options, improved market efficiency, and raised homeownership rates. We remain committed to addressing the sector's challenges and taking decisive steps that benefit citizens in all aspects of their lives, without compromising development or the resources of future generations, while safeguarding the state's financial and economic stability,” he vowed.
Di Maio Tells Asharq Al-Awsat: Saudi Summit to Drive More Ambitious Gulf-EU Partnershiphttps://english.aawsat.com/gulf/5324433-di-maio-tells-asharq-al-awsat-saudi-summit-drive-more-ambitious-gulf-eu-partnership
Di Maio Tells Asharq Al-Awsat: Saudi Summit to Drive More Ambitious Gulf-EU Partnership
Geopolitical shifts call for stronger cooperation between Europe and Gulf states, Di Maio says (Gulf Research Center)
The upcoming Gulf-EU summit in Saudi Arabia carries added weight amid regional turmoil, with both sides seeking a stronger partnership spanning security, defense, the economy, new technologies and artificial intelligence, said Luigi Di Maio, the European Union’s special representative for the Gulf region.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat on Wednesday at the Saudi-European Foresight Dialogue in Riyadh, organized by the Gulf Research Center and the EU, Di Maio said European leaders’ attendance would underscore the importance both sides placed on their ties.
It would also signal solidarity and political support for countries in the region, particularly Saudi Arabia, amid current developments.
Riyadh will host the second Gulf-EU summit in October, bringing together monarchs and heads of state and government from both sides.
Di Maio said regional conditions made the summit all the more important, with European leaders’ participation demonstrating both the strength of the relationship and support for Gulf countries, especially Saudi Arabia.
High ambitions
The summit comes two years after the first meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council and EU leaders in Brussels, which set the stage for regular summits.
Di Maio said that the meeting established a two-year cycle, with Saudi Arabia set to host the second summit.
He declined to disclose the main agenda items while preparations and negotiations were underway, but said both sides wanted a highly ambitious summit.
Geopolitical upheaval
Di Maio linked closer Gulf-EU ties to rapid shifts in the international order, saying the two regions faced shared security challenges that demanded stronger cooperation.
He described a new era in which the world was moving from multilateralism toward a multipolar order, exposing Europe and the Gulf to upheaval from accelerating geopolitical changes.
Both regions would be better placed to confront those challenges together, he said, with each needing stronger cooperation with the other.
From defense to AI
Di Maio said the scope for cooperation extended well beyond politics and security, encompassing the economy, defense, ties between people and modern technologies.
He called for stronger partnerships across those fields, including the race in artificial intelligence, as well as closer links between universities and businesses in the two regions.
Many initiatives were already underway among European and Gulf institutions, companies and communities, he said.
The time had come to bring them into a more structured, integrated partnership, building on the strategic partnership for peace and prosperity agreed by leaders at the first summit.
Greater European involvement
Abdulaziz bin Sager, chairman of the Gulf Research Center, called for Gulf-EU agreement on key regional issues.
He pointed to France’s support for Saudi efforts toward a two-state solution and work to advance it in New York, alongside several countries’ recognition of a Palestinian state.
In a separate interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, bin Sager said priorities included building a shared understanding of Gulf security and addressing Iranian attacks on regional countries, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and Tehran’s use of proxies to obstruct shipping through the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Those actions affected the global economy, freedom of navigation and political positions, he said.
He called for commitments to translate into active participation in safeguarding maritime navigation. The European Aspides mission was a capable force, he said, but needed to double its capabilities.
“Europeans also benefit from the security of maritime routes. Protecting navigation is an international responsibility, not Saudi Arabia’s alone,” he said.
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