United Nations: The United States and its Gulf allies have put forward a new United Nations resolution that would threaten Iran with sanctions or other penalties if it does not stop attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, end what they call “illegal tolls,” and disclose the placement of all sea mines to ensure free navigation through the strategic waterway.
The draft Security Council resolution, obtained on Tuesday by The Associated Press, also calls on Iran to “immediately participate in and enable” UN efforts to set up a humanitarian corridor in the strait for the delivery of vital aid, fertilizer and other goods.
Draft Pressures Tehran
It is the latest push by Washington and its Gulf partners after an earlier watered-down resolution aimed at opening the strait was vetoed by China and Russia just hours before the US and Iran announced a temporary ceasefire in early April.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday that Iran was still trying “to hold the world’s economy hostage” by threatening ships, laying sea mines and seeking to charge tolls “for the world’s most important waterway.”
Vote Faces Veto Risk
Rubio said he expected the resolution to be put to a vote in the coming days, though he was not sure whether “slight adjustments” made by the US would be enough to avoid a veto from Tehran’s allies on the council. The changes included dropping language authorising the use of force and instead focusing on sanctions. He called the vote “a real test” of whether the UN can “function” and “solve global problems”.
US Ambassador Mike Waltz said on Monday he believed the narrower draft had a strong chance of securing enough support from the 15-member council.
The new proposal comes as the Trump administration seeks to restore freedom of navigation in the strait, which carried about 20 per cent of the world’s crude oil before the US and Israel launched the war on Feb. 28. A fragile ceasefire remains in place.
Drafted under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, the resolution warns of “effective measures that are commensurate with the gravity of the situation, including sanctions” if Iran does not comply. An earlier draft that removed the Chapter 7 reference was also vetoed.
Council Split Over Wording On Iran
One Security Council diplomat told AP that, as in previous Hormuz negotiations, some members have objected to language that directly condemns Iran without also acknowledging US and Israeli strikes. The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity because the talks are sensitive.
The text also reaffirms the right of all countries to defend their vessels from attacks and provocations, and orders other states not to help Iran close the strait or levy tolls.
It further “welcomes ongoing efforts to deconflict and coordinate safe and secure transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz, expresses support for ongoing efforts to seek a durable peace in the region, and encourages member states in the region to strengthen dialogue and consultations in this regard.”
The diplomat also said the US has been making serious efforts to persuade China not to veto the resolution, including at the highest diplomatic levels, as both countries prepare for President Donald Trump’s visit next week to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping.
