Draft of Hormuz proposal finalised at UN Security Council, China-Russia object

The draft of a Bahrain-proposed resolution aimed at protecting commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz has been finalised and is now ready for a vote at the UN Security Council, diplomats told Reuters.

The proposal includes provisions for the use of force to reopen the strategic waterway. However, veto-wielding powers China and Russia, along with France, have raised objections.

The final draft has been turned into a 'blue print', meaning it is ready for voting. While two diplomats said voting was scheduled for Saturday morning, AFP reported that no new date had been set yet.

The Bahraini proposal, backed by the US and Gulf states, would authorise member states to take all necessary defensive measures, individually or through voluntary multinational naval partnerships, to counter interference in the strait. The proposed measures would remain in effect for at least six months.

China's UN ambassador Fu Cong said such steps would be illegal and would legitimise indiscriminate use of force, leading to further deterioration. Iran has also warned that any provocative measures would complicate the situation further.

The revised draft no longer directly references Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which authorises the use of armed force to restore peace.

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has virtually halted since US-Israeli strikes on Iran began on February 28, creating a global fuel supply crisis.