UN security council considers resolution to protect Strait of Hormuz shipping

The U.N. Security Council is set to vote on April 7 on a resolution aimed at protecting commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, though diplomats said the measure will be in a significantly watered-down form after China opposed authorising force.

Oil prices have surged since the U.S. and Israel struck Iran at the end of February, triggering a conflict that has lasted more than five weeks and prompted Tehran to largely close the Strait, a critical artery for global energy supplies. Efforts by Bahrain, the current chair of the 15-member Council, to secure a resolution have involved multiple drafts designed to overcome opposition from China, Russia, and other members. The latest draft, seen by Reuters, drops any explicit authorisation for the use of force.

Instead, the text "strongly encourages States interested in the use of commercial maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz to coordinate efforts, defensive in nature, commensurate to the circumstances, to contribute to ensuring the safety and security of navigation across the Strait of Hormuz."

It adds that such contributions could include "the escort of merchant and commercial vessels," and endorses efforts "to deter attempts to close, obstruct or otherwise interfere with international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz."

Diplomats said the watered-down version has a better chance of passing, but its fate remains uncertain. The resolution requires at least nine votes in favour and no vetoes from the five permanent members: Britain, China, France, Russia, and the U.S.

Bahrain, backed by other Gulf Arab states and Washington, issued a draft on April 2 that would have authorised "all defensive means necessary" to protect commercial shipping, but votes on that draft were postponed on April 3 and 4. Bahrain had also previously removed an explicit reference to binding enforcement.

On April 2, China opposed a resolution authorising force, saying this would be "legitimising the unlawful and indiscriminate use of force, which would inevitably lead to further escalation of the situation and lead to serious consequences."

Iran said on April 6 it wanted a lasting end to the war, while pushing back against pressure to reopen the Strait. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran could be "taken out" if it did not meet his Tuesday night (April 7) deadline to reach a deal.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on April 5 after speaking to his Russian counterpart that China was willing to continue to cooperate with Russia at the Security Council and "make efforts to calm the Middle East situation."

Wang added that the fundamental way "to resolve the Strait issue was to achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible." China is the world's largest buyer of oil moving through the Strait.

By Sabina Mammadli