US, Gulf Allies Threaten Iran Sanctions05/06 06:25

   The United States and its Gulf allies have proposed a U.N. resolution 
threatening Iran with sanctions or other measures if it doesn't halt attacks on 
ships in the Strait of Hormuz, stop imposing "illegal tolls," and disclose the 
placement of all mines to allow freedom of navigation.

   UNITED NATIONS (AP) -- The United States and its Gulf allies have proposed a 
U.N. resolution threatening Iran with sanctions or other measures if it doesn't 
halt attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, stop imposing "illegal tolls," 
and disclose the placement of all mines to allow freedom of navigation.

   The draft Security Council resolution, obtained Tuesday by The Associated 
Press, also demands that Iran "immediately participate in and enable" United 
Nations efforts to establish a humanitarian corridor in the strait for the 
delivery of vital aid, fertilizer and other goods.

   It is the latest diplomatic effort by the U.S. and its Gulf allies after a 
watered-down resolution aimed at opening the strait was vetoed by China and 
Russia hours before Washington and Tehran announced a temporary ceasefire in 
early April.

   U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a statement on Tuesday accused Iran 
of continuing "to hold the world's economy hostage" by trying to close the 
strait, threatening to attack ships, laying sea mines, and attempting to charge 
tolls "for the world's most important waterway."

   While Rubio said he looks forward to the resolution being voted on in the 
coming days, he told journalists later in the day that he remained uncertain if 
"slight adjustments" the U.S. made to the text would be enough to avoid a veto 
from Tehran's allies on the council. These adjustments included removing 
language authorizing the use of force and focusing instead on the threat of 
sanctions.

   Whether the resolution succeeds will be "a real test" for the U.N. "as 
something that functions, that can solve global problems," Rubio added at the 
White House briefing.

   U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz told reporters Monday he believes the new, narrow 
proposal will gain the necessary support it needs to pass the 15-member 
council, without triggering opposition or a veto from Iran's allies.

   The U.S. and Gulf nations proposed the new draft as the Trump administration 
tries to restore freedom of navigation in the strait, which carried about 20% 
of the world's crude oil before the U.S. and Israel began the war on Feb. 28. A 
shaky ceasefire remains in effect.

   The proposed resolution, which was drafted under Chapter 7 of the U.N. 
Charter and thus could be enforced militarily, threatens "effective measures 
that are commensurate with the gravity of the situation, including sanctions" 
if Iran doesn't comply. The earlier resolution removed a Chapter 7 reference 
but was still vetoed.

   One Security Council diplomat told AP that as in previous negotiations on 
Hormuz resolutions, specific language directly condemning Iran, without also 
reflecting U.S. and Israeli strikes, has been an issue with some members. The 
diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive deliberations.

   The new draft resolution reaffirms the right of all countries to defend 
their vessels from attacks and provocations, and orders all other countries not 
to assist Iran in closing the strait or levying tolls.

   The draft also "welcomes ongoing efforts to deconflict and coordinate safe 
and secure transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz, expresses support for 
ongoing efforts to seek a durable peace in the region, and encourages member 
states in the region to strengthen dialogue and consultations in this regard."

   The diplomat also said that the U.S. has been engaging in serious efforts to 
convince China to abstain from vetoing the resolution, including at the highest 
diplomatic levels as both countries prepare for President Donald Trump's visit 
next week to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.