Bahrain’s draft proposal to ensure the safety of commercial shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz has been finalized and is now ready for a vote at the United Nations Security Council. The proposal includes provisions that could involve the use of force to keep the strait open.
Diplomats told Reuters that the draft has been “blueprinted,” meaning it is prepared for voting. However, there is some confusion over the voting date. According to two diplomats cited by Reuters, the vote, originally scheduled for Friday, may be postponed to Saturday morning due to the UN holiday. AFP reported that as of Friday morning, no new date had been confirmed.
The proposal, brought forward by Bahrain, has backing from the United States and several Gulf countries. If passed, it would authorize member states to counter any obstruction or interference with shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. China has directly opposed the inclusion of forceful measures, while Russia and France have also expressed concerns.
At least nine votes are needed for approval in the Security Council, with none of the five permanent members (the UK, China, France, Russia, and the US) exercising their veto power. Iran has already issued stern warnings, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi saying any provocative actions by attackers or their supporters, including UN initiatives, would further complicate the situation.
Reuters reported that the fourth draft of the proposal was put under a “silence procedure” for approval, but China, France, and Russia broke the silence to raise objections. Chinese Ambassador Fu Cong stated that such measures are illegal and would legitimize arbitrary use of force, escalating tensions and potentially leading to serious consequences.
AFP noted that the sixth and final version of the draft grants member states the authority to take necessary protective measures individually or through “voluntary multinational naval partnerships” depending on the situation. The proposed framework is set to remain in effect for at least six months. However, the revised draft does not explicitly reference Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which governs the use of armed force to restore peace with the Security Council’s approval.
Bahrain’s UN ambassador Jamal Al-Ruwaii said the proposal aims to reject economic coercion that harms the region and the world. The draft has undergone several revisions and comes at a critical time. The United States supports the initiative.
Since the joint US-Israel strike in Iran on February 28, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been effectively halted, creating a global energy supply crisis. US President Donald Trump recently remarked that countries must secure their own oil from the strait, and the US military will not provide direct assistance in this effort.
Draft of Hormuz resolution finalized at UN Security Council, China and Russia object
