The United Nations Security Council has scheduled a Saturday morning vote on a resolution aimed at safeguarding commercial vessels traveling through the Strait of Hormuz, according to diplomatic sources who confirmed the meeting was postponed from Friday due to a UN holiday.
The proposed measure, drafted by Bahrain as the current Security Council chair, would permit “all defensive means necessary” to ensure safe passage for commercial shipping through the strategically vital waterway.
Oil markets have experienced significant price increases following US and Israeli military actions against Iran in late February, sparking a conflict that has persisted for over a month and effectively shut down the crucial shipping route.
During Thursday’s Security Council session, Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani expressed hope for a Friday vote, stating “God willing” and emphasizing Bahrain’s expectation of a “unified position from this esteemed council.”
However, China’s UN representative Fu Cong voiced strong opposition to any force authorization during Thursday morning’s proceedings. Fu Cong warned that such action would amount to “legitimizing the unlawful and indiscriminate use of force, which would inevitably lead to further escalation of the situation and lead to serious consequences.”
The Gulf nation has received backing from fellow Arab states and Washington in pushing for the resolution, previously removing explicit language about binding enforcement to address concerns from Russia and China.
The current draft, as reviewed by Reuters, authorizes protective measures “for a period of at least six months … and until such time as the council decides otherwise.”
A preliminary approval process known as the silence procedure was attempted until Thursday noon, but China, France and Russia broke the silence, according to Western diplomatic sources. Despite this setback, diplomats confirmed the text has been finalized and is ready for an official vote.
For passage, the resolution needs support from at least nine of the 15 Security Council members and cannot face vetoes from any of the five permanent members: Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States.
Al Zayani characterized Iran’s actions as an “unlawful and unjustified attempt” to control international shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz, arguing the situation threatens worldwide interests and demands a “decisive response.”
The Arab League’s Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit announced the organization’s support for Bahrain’s resolution efforts during Security Council proceedings.
Britain organized a Thursday meeting with more than 40 nations focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring secure transit, while also endorsing Bahrain’s diplomatic initiative.
President Donald Trump pledged Wednesday to maintain military operations but offered no specific strategy for reopening the waterway. This announcement further elevated oil prices as markets worried about reduced US involvement in protecting commercial shipping through the region.
