Bahrain, the current council president, finalized a draft on Thursday authorizing “all necessary defensive means” to protect ships in the strategic chokepoint for at least six months and until the council decides otherwise. The strait, through which about a fifth of global seaborne oil passes, has been largely closed to normal traffic since the US and Israel attacked Iran in late February, triggering a months-long conflict that has sent oil prices soaring and strained regional security.
China has made clear its opposition to any authorization of force, with its UN envoy Fu Kang warning that such a move would “legitimize the unlawful and indiscriminate use of force” and risk deepening the war. Russia and some non-permanent members have also pushed to weaken the resolution, prompting Bahrain to soften earlier language on binding enforcement. The latest draft was placed under the council’s “silent procedure”, which was broken by China, France and Russia, but the final text has been agreed and has been “put in the blue”, meaning it can be voted on.
The resolution needs at least nine votes to pass and no veto from the five permanent members – Britain, China, France, Russia and the US. While China and Russia are wary of militarized language, Bahrain and its Gulf and Western allies are trying to strike a narrow balance between deterrence and restraint.
Meanwhile, Britain hosted a meeting with more than 40 countries to discuss a coalition to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a sign of Bahrain’s widespread support for the effort. If adopted, the proposal could become a major legal and political tool to reopen the vital waterway and prevent an escalation in one of the world’s most volatile flashpoints.
