The United States on Thursday urged countries to support its United Nations resolution demanding that Iran stop attacks and mining activities in the Strait of Hormuz. However, diplomats said both China and Russia are likely to veto the proposal in the UN Security Council. The move comes amid rising tensions in the Gulf region and growing fears over threats to international shipping routes and energy supplies. Diplomats said the issue is expected to become a major point of discussion during US President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to China next week. The Iran conflict and maritime security concerns are likely to dominate those talks. A previous US-backed resolution was also blocked last month after China and Russia exercised their veto powers.
Speaking alongside Gulf country envoys supporting the proposal, Washington’s UN envoy Mike Waltz warned that countries opposing the resolution were setting what he called a “very dangerous precedent.” He questioned whether nations blocking the proposal genuinely wanted peace in the region. The draft resolution was jointly prepared by the United States and Bahrain with support from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar. Supporters argue the resolution is necessary to protect international shipping and prevent further escalation in the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway remains one of the world’s most important maritime routes for oil and gas supplies. Concerns over disruptions there continue to affect global markets and regional stability.
Iran strongly criticised the proposal, accusing Washington of using the United Nations for political purposes. Amir Saeid Iravani described the resolution as “deeply flawed, one-sided, and politically motivated.” He said the United States lacked the legal and moral authority to portray itself as a defender of maritime security while imposing military pressure on Iranian vessels. Iranian officials have repeatedly accused Washington of escalating tensions in the Gulf through sanctions and naval deployments. Tehran also maintains that its actions around the Strait of Hormuz are defensive responses to American military activity. The diplomatic confrontation has further widened divisions between Iran and Western countries at the United Nations. Both sides continue exchanging accusations over responsibility for the regional crisis.
Diplomatic sources said China and Russia raised major objections during closed-door Security Council discussions earlier this week. According to one diplomat, Russia demanded the resolution either be rewritten or withdrawn entirely because it considered the language too hostile toward Iran. China reportedly objected to references invoking Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which allows the Security Council to authorise sanctions or military action. Beijing and Moscow are believed to fear the wording could later justify broader military action against Iran. Diplomats said these disagreements make a veto from one or both countries highly likely if the resolution proceeds to a formal vote. The divisions have once again complicated efforts to build international consensus on the Gulf conflict.
The draft resolution condemns Iran’s alleged violations of the current ceasefire and accuses Tehran of threatening freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. It demands that Iran immediately stop attacks, reveal the locations of any naval mines and avoid interfering with mine-clearance operations in the region. Meanwhile, diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Tehran are still continuing behind the scenes despite the confrontation at the United Nations. Sources familiar with discussions said both countries are moving closer toward a temporary arrangement aimed at reducing hostilities. However, several contentious issues remain unresolved, including Iran’s nuclear programme and sanctions. Earlier this week, Marco Rubio described the resolution as a test of the United Nations’ credibility during a major international crisis.
