UN Security Council Postpones Vote on Bahrain-Led Hormuz Resolution

The UN Security Council postponed a vote on a Bahraini draft resolution aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

“Two United Nations diplomats said that Bahrain, which is chairing the UN Security Council this month, postponed the vote on a draft resolution they had submitted aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, despite the numerous amendments that had been made to it, due to opposition from Russia and China”

Al-Jazeera Net

Two UN diplomats said the delay was due to opposition from Russia and China despite numerous amendments.

Al-Jazeera Net

The draft would authorize all necessary defensive means to protect commercial shipping, a significant softening from earlier versions.

The original draft would have empowered states to use force but was softened after opposition from China, Russia, and France.

Russia's Foreign Minister Lavrov said the draft could not be approved because it was unlikely to lead to a peaceful settlement.

AP News

China's UN ambassador warned that granting force authority would escalate the situation.

More than a month of war followed US-Israeli airstrikes that killed over 3,500 people in Iran including 1,600 civilians.

Iran effectively blockaded the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation.

Iran floated its own proposal for a permit system which the EU rejected as contrary to international law.

The division between permanent Security Council members complicates collective action.

The vote was delayed more than once as attempts to build consensus faltered.

France 24

The world remains poised between enforced maritime security and Iranian control of a key chokepoint.