The United Nations Security Council is set to vote on Tuesday on a resolution aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which has been significantly watered down due to opposition from Russia and China. The vote comes just hours before a deadline set by US President Donald Trump for Iran to open the strategic waterway or face potential military action.
The initial proposal, sponsored by Bahrain, would have authorized the use of 'all necessary means,' including military force, to ensure transit through the strait. However, after objections from Russia, China, and France, the resolution was revised to remove references to offensive action, authorizing only 'all defensive means necessary.' It was further weakened to eliminate any mention of Security Council authorization and to limit its scope to the Strait of Hormuz itself.
The current draft '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.' It also demands that Iran immediately halt attacks on merchant vessels and stop impeding freedom of navigation through the strait.
Russia and China have blamed the US and Israel for starting the war and have called for an immediate end to military operations. It remains unclear whether they will veto the resolution or abstain. The Security Council previously adopted a resolution condemning Iran's attacks on its Gulf neighbours, with Russia and China abstaining.
