UN Security Council to Vote on Weakened Strait of Hormuz Resolution

The United Nations Security Council is expected to vote on April 7, 2026, on a resolution aimed at protecting commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The proposal has been significantly weakened after veto-wielding members, specifically China and Russia, opposed the authorization of military force to secure the waterway.

The resolution follows a period of intense regional conflict that began at the end of February 2026, when the U.S. And Israel conducted strikes against Iran. For more than five weeks, Tehran has largely closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy artery through which approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil typically passes.

The resulting stranglehold on the waterway has caused global energy prices to soar, impacting international markets and shipping logistics.

Diplomatic Compromises and Draft Revisions

Bahrain, the current chair of the 15-member Security Council, has led efforts to secure a resolution through multiple drafts. An initial proposal submitted by Bahrain on April 2, 2026, would have authorized countries to use all necessary means—language that typically includes military action—within the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf, and the Gulf of Oman to deter interference with navigation.

However, Russia, China, and France expressed opposition to the use of force. The final draft eliminates references to offensive military action, authorizing only defensive measures to ensure vessels can safely transit the strait.

The latest text strongly encourages States interested in the use of commercial maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz to coordinate efforts, defensive in nature, commensurate to the circumstances, to contribute to ensuring the safety and security of navigation across the Strait of Hormuz.

Specific provisions in the weakened draft include:

• The escort of merchant and commercial vessels.
• Endorsements of efforts to deter attempts to close, obstruct, or interfere with international navigation through the waterway.

Geopolitical Positions and Veto Power

The resolution requires at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes from the five permanent members: the U.S., Britain, France, Russia, and China. Diplomats indicate that while the watered-down version has a higher probability of passing, its success remains uncertain.

China, the world’s largest buyer of oil moving through the Strait, has been a primary opponent of authorizing force. On April 2, 2026, China stated that such a move would be legitimizing the unlawful and indiscriminate use of force, which would inevitably lead to further escalation of the situation and lead to serious consequences.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated on April 5, 2026, following discussions with his Russian counterpart, that China is willing to cooperate with Russia at the Security Council to calm the situation in the Middle East. Wang asserted that the fundamental solution to the crisis is the immediate achievement of a ceasefire.

Regional Tensions and Deadlines

The diplomatic efforts at the UN coincide with escalating tensions between the U.S. And Iran. Iran has warned the Security Council against provocative action and has pushed back against pressure to reopen the Strait, despite stating on April 6, 2026, that it desires a lasting end to the war.

U.S. President Donald Trump has maintained a hardline stance, warning that Iran could be taken out if it fails to reach a deal by a deadline set for the night of April 7, 2026.

Bahrain’s efforts to pass the resolution have been supported by Washington and other Gulf Arab states. Previous attempts to vote on the resolution were postponed on Friday, April 3, and Saturday, April 4, 2026, as diplomats worked to reconcile the conflicting positions of the permanent council members.