The UN Security Council is expected to vote on a Bahraini resolution to protect commercial shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz next week, diplomats said on Friday. However, China has made it clear that they oppose any use of force.
A meeting of the Council’s 15 members was initially scheduled for Friday, then rescheduled for Saturday, and now postponed until next week with no new date announced.
The resolution has faced resistance from China, Russia, and others and has been toned down from its original form.
Oil prices have surged since the US and Israel struck Iran at the end of February, leading to a conflict that has closed the shipping artery for over a month.
Bahrain, the current chair of the Security Council, finalized a draft on Thursday that would authorize “all defensive means necessary” to protect commercial shipping.
Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani informed the council on Thursday that a vote would be held on Friday. Bahrain dropped an explicit reference to binding enforcement in the resolution in order to address objections from other nations, especially Russia and China.
The final draft authorizes the measures “for a period of at least six months… and until such time as the council decides otherwise.”
China’s UN envoy Fu Cong opposed authorizing force, stating it would lead to further escalation and serious consequences.
US President Donald Trump has pledged to continue attacks on Iran and expressed confidence in opening the Strait of Hormuz with more time.
Britain hosted a meeting on Thursday with over 40 countries to discuss efforts to reopen and ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, showing support for Bahrain’s resolution.
