The UN Security Council has delayed a planned vote on authorising force to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing diplomatic divisions and procedural adjustments.
The 15-member council had been scheduled to vote on Friday on a draft resolution introduced by Bahrain. The proposal seeks to allow the use of “defensive” force to safeguard maritime navigation in the strategic waterway.
However, the vote was postponed, with diplomatic sources citing the United Nations’ observance of Good Friday as a public holiday. No new date has yet been set.
The draft resolution, supported by the United States, would permit member states—either individually or through multinational naval partnerships—to use “all defensive means necessary” to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and deter interference with international shipping.
The proposal would remain in effect for at least six months if adopted.
The move comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with Iran restricting access to the waterway following US-Israeli strikes that triggered a broader conflict.
Bahrain’s ambassador to the United Nations, Jamal Alrowaiei, described the proposal as coming at a “critical juncture”, warning of wider global implications from the disruption.
The draft has undergone several revisions in an effort to address concerns from key Security Council members, including Russia, China and France.
Notably, the latest version avoids explicit reference to Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which authorises the use of force, and instead emphasises the defensive nature of any potential action.
France has called for a swift but measured response, although President Emmanuel Macron has previously expressed scepticism about the feasibility of a military operation to reopen the strait.
China has warned that authorising force could escalate tensions further, while Russia has criticised the proposal as unbalanced.
With both countries holding veto power, the resolution faces uncertainty over whether it can secure sufficient support.
Analysts say the proposal is likely to face significant hurdles. Daniel Forti of the International Crisis Group said the draft may struggle to pass, as some countries favour a broader political solution rather than a security-focused response.
Separately, United States President Donald Trump said countries facing fuel shortages should secure their own supplies, signalling a reluctance for direct US involvement.
Security Council mandates authorising the use of force are rare and typically reserved for major international crises, including the Gulf War in 1990 and NATO’s intervention in Libya in 2011.
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