UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The United States and its Gulf allies have introduced a U.N. resolution threatening Iran with sanctions or other measures if it does not stop attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, stop imposing “illegal tolls” and disclose the placement of all mines to allow freedom of navigation.
The draft Security Council resolution obtained by The Associated Press on Tuesday also calls for Iran to “immediately participate in and support” U.N. efforts to establish a humanitarian corridor through the strait to deliver vital aid, fertilizer and other supplies.
It is the latest diplomatic effort by the United States and its Gulf allies after China and Russia vetoed a watered-down resolution to open the strait hours before Washington and Tehran announced a temporary ceasefire in early April.
U.S. Secretary of State Rubio accused Iran in a statement on Tuesday of continuing to “hijack the world economy” by trying to close the strait, threatening to attack ships, laying mines and trying to impose tolls on “the world’s most important waterway.”
While Rubio said he looked forward to a vote on the resolution in the coming days, he told reporters later in the day that he was still unsure whether the “minor tweaks” the U.S. had made to the text would be enough to avoid a veto by Tehran’s allies on the Security Council. The changes include removing language authorizing the use of force and focusing on the threat of sanctions.
Rubio added at a White House briefing that the resolution’s success would be a “real test” of the United Nations’ “ability to play a role in solving global problems.”
U.S. Ambassador Mike Walz told reporters on Monday he was confident the new, narrow proposal would have the necessary support to pass the 15-member committee without triggering opposition or veto from Iran’s allies.
The new draft from the United States and Gulf states comes as the Trump administration seeks to restore freedom of navigation in the strait. Before the war between the United States and Israel on February 28, the strait carried about 20% of the world’s crude oil. An uneasy ceasefire remains in place.
The proposed resolution was drafted under Chapter 7 of the United Nations Charter and could therefore be implemented through military means. The resolution threatens “effective measures, including sanctions, commensurate with the gravity of the situation” if Iran fails to comply. An earlier resolution removed references to Chapter 7 but was still defeated.
A Security Council diplomat told The Associated Press that, as in previous negotiations on the Hormuz resolution, specific language that directly condemns Iran without reflecting U.S. and Israeli attacks has been an issue for some member states. The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive discussion.
The new draft resolution reaffirms the right of all countries to protect their ships from attacks and provocations and orders all other countries not to assist Iran in closing the strait or imposing tolls.
The draft also “welcomes ongoing efforts to deconflict and coordinate safe and secure transit lanes in the Strait of Hormuz, expresses support for ongoing efforts to seek lasting peace in the region, and encourages member states in the region to strengthen dialogue and consultation in this regard.”
The diplomat also said the United States has been working seriously to persuade China to abandon its veto of the resolution, including at the highest diplomatic levels, as both countries prepare for President Donald Trump’s visit next week to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.