WASHINGTON: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is scheduled to vote on a Bahrain-sponsored resolution concerning the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, only hours before US President Donald Trump’s deadline for Iran to reopen the crucial maritime route.
The draft resolution, prepared by Bahrain in coordination with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Jordan, urges countries using commercial routes through the Strait to coordinate defensive measures to ensure safe navigation, including the escort of merchant vessels.
It also calls on Iran to immediately halt attacks on commercial ships and civilian infrastructure, including oil, gas and water facilities.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, carrying nearly 20 per cent of global oil consumption and around a quarter of all seaborne oil trade.
Tensions in the region have escalated sharply since the US and Israel launched strikes on Iranian targets on February 28. In response, Iran retaliated against Israel and Gulf states hosting US military bases, with reports of attacks on commercial vessels and the laying of naval mines.
Although Tehran has allowed limited passage for ships it considers “non-hostile”, the disruptions have sparked widespread international concern.
The US and Israel have also targeted Iranian maritime assets, causing substantial damage.
President Trump has called for the creation of a multinational naval coalition to secure the Strait, while several allied nations — including France, Germany, Japan and the United Kingdom — have adopted a more cautious stance.
France is currently exploring the possibility of an international mission, while the UK recently hosted talks involving 40 countries aimed at forming a coalition to ensure safe maritime passage.
Diplomatic negotiations over the draft resolution were reportedly difficult.
Initial versions of the text included language under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which could have opened the door to the authorisation of force.
However, strong objections from China, Russia and several European members led to the removal of that language.
The revised resolution now focuses on defensive coordination “commensurate with the circumstances” and explicitly emphasises compliance with international law.
It also introduces a reporting mechanism, requesting the UN Secretary-General to submit a written report to the Security Council within seven days of adoption, followed by updates every 30 days.
These reports would detail any further attacks or provocations involving merchant and commercial vessels by Iran in and around the Strait of Hormuz, particularly incidents that undermine navigational rights and freedoms.
For the resolution to pass, it must secure at least nine affirmative votes and avoid a veto from any of the five permanent members of the Security Council.
China and Russia have expressed concern that the text could still be interpreted as indirectly legitimising the use of force, while France and the UK have pressed for a strictly defensive framework.
Analysts say the resolution carries both practical and symbolic significance.
From a military perspective, most GCC countries continue to rely heavily on US support to secure the waterway.
Politically, taking the issue to the Security Council elevates the crisis to the international stage and increases diplomatic pressure on Tehran.
Any prolonged disruption in the Strait could drive up global energy prices and threaten commercial shipping routes, including the supply of liquefied natural gas to Asia and Europe.
Tuesday’s vote, taking place just hours before President Trump’s ultimatum expires, underscores the urgency and global significance of the Strait of Hormuz crisis.