Western diplomatic sources have confirmed to Sky News that the US is considering the legality of arming the Libyan rebels.
One of the unintended consequences of United Nations' Resolution 1970 was to starve the rebels of the weapons they would need to take on Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.
It requires all UN members to "immediately take the necessary measures" to prevent the supply or sale of weapons to the Libyan government - with no exemption for anti-Gaddafi forces.
But Sky News now understands the US is looking at a legal framework to allow limited supplies of arms to the rebels, if they can prove they need them to defend themselves from attack.
Mark Kornblau, spokesman for US Ambassador Dr Susan Rice, confirmed it was a possibility.
Resolutions 1970 and 1973, read together, neither specify nor preclude such an action," he said.
Britain and France are also reported to be considering the legal options.
A diplomat from a member state participating in the coalition told Sky News the purpose of the resolution was clear.
He said: "It authorises all necessary measures to protect civilians under threat of attack.