UN Resolution on Strait of Hormuz Gains Backing of 112 Nations
A draft United Nations Security Council resolution calling for freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz has gained 112 co-sponsors, according to diplomatic sources. The resolution, introduced by Bahrain and the United States, aims to protect international waterways, commercial shipping, energy supplies, and seafarer safety. It also calls for an end to Iranian attacks on its Gulf neighbors. Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait have joined as principal sponsors, alongside India, Japan, South Korea, Kenya, Argentina, and most European Union member states.
This is the second such resolution Bahrain has presented to the council. The first was vetoed by China and Russia last month. Both countries have expressed reservations about the new draft, though it remains unclear whether they will veto again if it comes to a vote. No date has been set for a vote on the resolution.
The diplomatic push occurs as peace negotiations between Iran and the US continue. The US demands that Iran dismantle its nuclear program and lift restrictions on the strait. Iran has countered with calls for war reparations, an end to the US naval blockade of its ports, and a ceasefire on all fronts, including in Lebanon. Iran has also insisted that any settlement recognize its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, a demand Washington has called unacceptable.
Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi accused the US of seeking capitulation rather than peace. He stated that Iran's demands represent the minimum requirements for any serious, sustainable arrangement. Regional powers are also intensifying diplomatic efforts. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan traveled to Doha for talks with Qatari leaders, warning that the strait must not be used as a weapon.
Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani warned against a return to fighting and urged support for Pakistan's mediation efforts. The diplomatic activity coincides with Trump's state visit to Beijing, where the war with Iran is expected to feature in discussions with President Xi Jinping. China, a close ally of Tehran and its largest oil customer, has avoided direct involvement in the conflict while maintaining commercial ties with Iran.
Trump's visit comes at a difficult time for the US president. His approval ratings have been affected by the protracted war on Iran and a surge in inflation linked to disrupted global energy supplies. However, Trump stated that Americans' financial struggles do not influence his decision-making regarding negotiations to end the war. He emphasized that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon is his sole motivation.