UN To Vote On Hormuz Resolution As China Opposes Authorisation Of Force

PUKMEDIA

Hormuz Strait.

The United Nations Security Council is expected to vote on a Bahraini-drafted resolution aimed at protecting commercial shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz, diplomats said on Friday. However, China, a permanent member with veto power, has made clear its opposition to any authorisation of the use of force.

According to Reuters, two diplomats confirmed that the meeting of the Council’s 15 members, along with the vote, has been scheduled for Saturday morning, rather than Friday as initially planned. Friday is a UN holiday.

Oil prices have risen sharply since the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran at the end of February, triggering a conflict that has now continued for more than a month and effectively closed the strategically vital shipping route.

Diplomats said Bahrain, the current President of the Security Council, has finalised a draft resolution—reviewed by Reuters—that would authorise “all necessary defensive means” to safeguard commercial shipping.

Earlier on Thursday, Bahrain’s Foreign Minister, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, told the Council that a vote would be held on Friday “God willing”, adding that Bahrain hoped for a “unified position from this esteemed Council”.

Bahrain, supported in its efforts by fellow Gulf Arab states and the United States, had previously removed explicit references to binding enforcement in an attempt to address concerns raised by several countries, particularly Russia and China.

The draft resolution seen by Reuters would authorise such measures “for a period of at least six months … and until such time as the Council decides otherwise”.

However, speaking before the Security Council on Thursday morning, China’s UN Ambassador, Fu Cong, voiced strong opposition to the authorisation of force.

He warned that such a move would “legitimise the unlawful and indiscriminate use of force”, which would inevitably escalate the situation and result in serious consequences.

On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump pledged to continue military strikes, though he did not outline a plan to reopen the Strait.

This further drove up oil prices, amid growing concerns that the United States may not assume a leading role in ensuring safe passage for shipping through the waterway.

Source: Reuters



PUKMEDIA