The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to vote on Tuesday on a revised resolution addressing the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, following intense negotiations that have significantly softened the original proposal backed by Gulf nations.
Diplomatic sources indicate the vote is expected to take place at 11:00 a.m. (1500 GMT), although uncertainty remains over whether the measure will pass, given lingering divisions among key member states.
Resolution Weakened After Opposition
The draft resolution, initially spearheaded by Bahrain with strong backing from the United States and other Gulf oil producers, originally sought authorization for member states to use military force to reopen the strategic waterway.
However, resistance from veto-wielding members — including France, Russia, and China — forced significant revisions. The latest version removes any explicit reference to the use of force, even for defensive purposes, instead urging coordinated, non-aggressive actions to ensure safe maritime navigation.
The updated text now calls on states to take “defensive” and proportionate measures, such as escorting commercial vessels, while stopping short of granting a formal mandate for military intervention.
Rising Stakes in the Gulf
The vote comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions involving Iran, which has effectively blocked the vital shipping route since late February, following military actions by the United States and Israel.
The disruption has sent shockwaves through global oil markets and raised concerns over international trade, given the Strait of Hormuz’s critical role in energy transportation.
Adding urgency to the situation, former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a deadline warning Tehran to reach an agreement or face potential military strikes targeting key infrastructure.
Diplomatic Push and Divisions
Bahrain’s UN envoy, Jamal Alrowaiei, has strongly condemned Iran’s actions, describing the blockade as a form of “economic terrorism” with global consequences.
Meanwhile, Jerome Bonnafont signaled that France could support a compromise resolution, provided any response remains strictly defensive.
Despite these adjustments, uncertainty persists. Russia and China, both maintaining close ties with Iran, may still exercise their veto powers, a possibility that has already led to multiple delays of the vote.
Key Demands in the Draft
The resolution explicitly demands that Iran immediately halt attacks on commercial vessels and cease any interference with freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. It also calls for an end to strikes on civilian infrastructure, including water, oil, and gas facilities.
Analysts suggest that even without authorizing force, the resolution could serve as a strong diplomatic signal against Tehran’s actions while avoiding further military escalation.
Historical Context
Authorizations by the Security Council for the use of force remain rare. Notable precedents include the Gulf War, when a U.S.-led coalition was approved to expel Iraqi forces from Kuwait, and the 2011 intervention in Libya, which followed a UN-backed mandate.
As deliberations continue, Tuesday’s vote is expected to test the balance between diplomatic pressure and the risk of widening conflict in an already volatile region.
