UN council to vote on Hormuz resolution

The UN Security Council Hormuz resolution is set for a vote on Tuesday, as global energy markets closely watch efforts to address Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for international oil shipments.

Diplomatic sources confirmed that the resolution has been significantly diluted after earlier drafts faced resistance from permanent members with veto power. The vote, initially scheduled for last week, was delayed multiple times as negotiations continued.

The move comes as Iran maintains an effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz following the outbreak of conflict on 28 February, when the United States and Israel launched military operations. The disruption has had immediate effects on global energy supply chains and shipping security.

An earlier draft, proposed by Bahrain and supported by Gulf oil-exporting countries, sought to provide a clear United Nations mandate allowing states to use force to ensure the waterway remains open. However, objections from key members led to the removal of explicit authorisation for military action.

The revised draft still calls on Iran to halt attacks on commercial vessels and to stop “any attempt to impede transit passage or freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.” It instead urges countries to coordinate defensive measures to protect shipping routes.

The text “strongly encourages States...to coordinate efforts, defensive in nature, commensurate to the circumstances, to contribute to ensuring the safety and security of navigation, including through the escort of merchant and commercial vessels.” It also calls for cooperation to deter any attempts to obstruct international navigation.

The resolution further signals that the Security Council remains ready to consider additional measures against actions that threaten maritime security in the Strait.

The vote is scheduled for 11:00 am local time in New York, just hours ahead of a deadline set by United States President Donald Trump for Iran to reach an agreement or face potential strikes targeting critical infrastructure.

The outcome of the vote is expected to have significant implications for global energy markets, particularly as the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most important transit points for oil and gas supplies worldwide.