UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The United Nations Security Council will cast ballots Tuesday on a significantly diluted measure calling for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, though uncertainty remains over whether Russia and China will block the Bahrain-backed proposal.
The balloting comes just hours ahead of an 8 p.m. Eastern time ultimatum issued by U.S. President Donald Trump requiring Iran to reopen the crucial shipping lane or face military strikes on its infrastructure including power facilities and bridges. Approximately 20 percent of global oil shipments normally transit through this waterway, and Iran’s blockade amid the ongoing conflict has caused energy costs to spike dramatically.
Even if the measure passes, it’s unlikely to influence the conflict, which has now entered its fifth week, given how substantially it has been diluted in attempts to persuade Russia and China to abstain instead of using their veto power.
The original proposal from Bahrain would have permitted nations to employ “all necessary means” — diplomatic language at the UN that encompasses military force — to guarantee passage through the Strait of Hormuz and prevent closure attempts.
Following objections from Russia, China and France, all permanent Security Council members with veto authority on the 15-nation body, regarding the authorization of force, the measure was amended to remove all references to offensive operations. The revised version would have permitted only “all defensive means necessary.” Voting had been anticipated for Saturday.
However, the proposal underwent further weakening to remove any mention of Security Council authorization — which constitutes a directive for action — and restrict its scope specifically to the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier versions had encompassed surrounding waters.
Tuesday’s resolution “strongly encourages states interested in the use of commercial maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz to coordinate efforts, defensive in nature, commensurate with the circumstances, to contribute to ensuring the safety and security of navigation across the Strait of Hormuz.”
This would encompass providing protection for merchant and commercial ships, and preventing efforts to shut down, block or disrupt international shipping through the waterway, according to the text.
The measure also calls on Iran to immediately cease attacks on merchant and commercial vessels and stop hindering their navigation freedom through the Strait of Hormuz and targeting civilian infrastructure.
Following U.S. and Israeli military operations that began February 28, Iran has struck hotels, airports, residential areas and other civilian targets across more than 10 nations, including the Islamic Republic’s Gulf neighbors, some of whom rank among the world’s leading oil and natural gas exporters.
Gulf states view Iran’s strait blockade as a threat to their survival. Bahrain, which houses the U.S. Fifth Fleet and currently serves as the Security Council’s Arab representative and monthly president, has been advocating for UN intervention.
Meanwhile, Trump reiterated Monday his demand for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz while praising U.S. forces for their bold rescue of two fighter jet crew members shot down over Iran. The Republican leader cautioned Iran that the “entire country can be taken out in one night, and that might be tomorrow night.”
He echoed this threat Tuesday, stating a “whole civilization will die tonight” unless Tehran meets his deadline to accept an agreement that includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia and China’s UN Ambassador Fu Cong have held the U.S. and Israel responsible for initiating the conflict and creating a widening international crisis. They informed the Security Council last week that the most pressing need is an immediate cessation of military activities.
Following Iran’s attacks on its Gulf neighbors, the Security Council passed a Bahrain-sponsored resolution March 11 denouncing the “egregious attacks” and demanding Tehran immediately stop its strikes.
That measure, approved 13-0 with Russia and China not participating, also criticized Iran’s Strait of Hormuz actions as endangering global peace and security and demanded an immediate end to all shipping blockade activities.
