UN Security Council set to vote on softened resolution to protect Strait of Hormuz

The United Nations Security Council will vote on Tuesday on a significantly softened draft resolution to ensure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, after the vote was postponed several times, diplomatic sources told AFP on Monday.

Bahrain, an elected member of the council, with the support of the Gulf countries, launched negotiations two weeks ago on a text that would grant the UN mandate to any country wishing to use force to secure navigation in this vital corridor, which has been paralyzed by Iran since the start of the U.S.-Israeli attack on February 28.

However, due to objections from several permanent members, the text was gradually softened, and its vote—initially scheduled for last Friday—was postponed several times because of the potential for a veto by Russia and China.

The latest version of the text, reviewed by AFP on Monday, still condemns Iranian attacks on ships and urges concerned nations to coordinate efforts of a defensive nature, proportional to the circumstances, to ensure the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, including the escort of commercial vessels.

The draft resolution also demands that Iran immediately cease all attacks on ships transiting this vital trade route and halt any attempts to obstruct freedom of navigation.

The text also states that the council would be willing to consider taking other measures against those undermining freedom of navigation in the strait.

The vote is scheduled for Tuesday at 11:00 (15:00 GMT), just hours before the deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump for Iran, who threatened to "completely" destroy it by Tuesday night if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened.

UN Security Council set to vote on softened resolution to protect Strait of Hormuz

UN Security Council set to vote on softened resolution to protect Strait of Hormuz

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