UN set to vote on diluted Hormuz shipping resolution
Security Council considers weakened draft after China blocks use-of-force clause, as US-Israel war on Iran disrupts global oil flows
NEW YORK (MNTV) — The United Nations Security Council is expected to vote on a revised resolution aimed at safeguarding commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, following intense disagreements over the use of force amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
Diplomatic sources said the latest draft has been significantly weakened after China opposed provisions that would have authorized military action, warning that such measures would legitimize further escalation and deepen instability in the region.
The revised text now limits itself to urging countries to coordinate defensive efforts to ensure the safety of maritime navigation, including escorting commercial vessels, without granting explicit approval for force.
The shift reflects growing resistance within the council to what critics describe as attempts to militarize one of the world’s most critical energy corridors under the pretext of security.
The vote comes as global oil markets remain under pressure following weeks of conflict triggered by strikes carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran, which have disrupted shipping through the narrow waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz handles a significant share of the world’s oil supply, and its partial closure has sharply reduced exports from Gulf producers.
The draft resolution was spearheaded by Bahrain, backed by Washington and several Gulf allies. Earlier versions reportedly included language allowing “all necessary defensive measures,” but these provisions were removed after objections from China and Russia, both of which warned against endorsing force that could further inflame tensions.
Despite the watered-down language, diplomats say the outcome of the vote remains uncertain. For adoption, the resolution requires at least nine votes in favor and no veto from any of the five permanent members: the United States, China, Russia, France, and the United Kingdom.
Beijing has called for a broader diplomatic solution, emphasizing that the crisis cannot be resolved through military pressure but through an immediate ceasefire and political dialogue.
Chinese officials stressed that stabilizing the region depends on addressing the root causes of the conflict rather than imposing coercive measures.
Meanwhile, Iran has reiterated its position that reopening the Strait must be tied to a comprehensive and lasting end to the war, rejecting demands for unilateral concessions under threat of force.
US President Donald Trump has escalated rhetoric in recent days, warning of severe military consequences if Tehran fails to comply with deadlines set by Washington.
The unfolding dispute underscores deep divisions within the international community, with many states wary that aggressive posturing by the US and Israel risks pushing the region toward a wider and more destructive conflict.
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