The U.N. Security Council is set to vote on a Bahraini resolution aimed at protecting commercial shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz, diplomats said Friday, although China has expressed opposition to authorizing any use of force.
The Council’s 15 members are scheduled to meet and vote on Saturday morning, rather than Friday as initially planned, due to a U.N. holiday.Oil prices have surged since the United States and Israel struck Iran at the end of February, sparking a conflict that has lasted over a month and effectively disrupted traffic through the key shipping corridor.
Bahrain, which currently chairs the Security Council, finalized a draft resolution seen by Reuters that would authorize “all defensive means necessary” to protect commercial shipping.
Earlier on Thursday, Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani told the council that a vote would be held on Friday, “God willing,” and emphasized the need for a “unified position from this esteemed council.”
Bahrain, supported by other Gulf Arab states and Washington, had previously removed an explicit reference to binding enforcement from the draft to address objections from countries including Russia and China. The finalized draft authorizes protective measures “for a period of at least six months … and until such time as the council decides otherwise.”
China’s U.N. envoy Fu Cong spoke against authorizing the use of force, warning that such a measure would “legitimize the unlawful and indiscriminate use of force, inevitably lead to further escalation, and result in serious consequences.”
A fourth draft of the resolution was placed under a silence procedure for approval until Thursday noon (1600 GMT), but the silence was reportedly broken by China, France, and Russia. Diplomats said the text was subsequently finalized, or “put in blue,” allowing the vote to proceed.
A Security Council resolution requires at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes from the five permanent members: Britain, China, France, Russia, and the United States.Al Zayani stated that Iran’s “unlawful and unjustified attempt” to control international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz threatens global interests and warrants a decisive response.
Ahmed Aboul Gheit, secretary-general of the 22-member League of Arab States, told the Security Council that the organization supports Bahrain’s efforts to secure a resolution.On Thursday, Britain hosted a meeting with more than 40 countries to discuss reopening and ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and expressed support for Bahrain’s resolution initiative.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump vowed on Wednesday to continue attacks on Iran but did not outline a plan to reopen the strait. The uncertainty contributed to higher oil prices, raising concerns over the safety of commercial shipping in the strategic waterway.
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