The United States and its Gulf partners have advanced a new U.N. push aimed at pressuring Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, where ship transit has become a flashpoint in the wider conflict. A draft Security Council resolution obtained by The Associated Press would threaten sanctions or other measures if Iran does not halt attacks on vessels, stop imposing what the United States calls “illegal tolls,” and cooperate with U.N. efforts to create a humanitarian corridor so aid can move through the strait.
In remarks Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Iran of “to hold the world’s economy hostage” by trying to close the strait, threatening to attack ships, laying sea mines, and attempting to charge tolls for what he described as “the world’s most important waterway.” Rubio said he expects the resolution to be voted on in coming days, and he told journalists later that the administration remained uncertain whether “slight adjustments” to the text would be enough to avoid a veto from Tehran’s allies on the council.
According to AP, the draft was drafted under Chapter 7 of the U.N. Charter, giving it potential enforcement weight. The proposal would require Iran to comply with multiple conditions, including joining and enabling U.N. efforts to set up the humanitarian corridor for the delivery of “vital aid, fertilizer and other goods,” and disclosing “the placement of all mines” to enable freedom of navigation. The text also calls for Iran to stop levying tolls in the strait and reaffirms the right of countries to defend their vessels from attacks and provocations.
Rubio’s comments came as the administration sought to recalibrate the resolution’s language after an earlier draft was vetoed. AP reported the new effort follows the veto of a watered-down proposal aimed at opening the strait, which was blocked by China and Russia hours before Washington and Tehran announced a temporary ceasefire in early April. In connection with the new draft, the U.S. removed language authorizing the use of force and focused instead on sanctions, while still seeking to keep pressure on Iran’s behavior in the waterway.
U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz told reporters Monday that he expects the revised, narrower proposal would gain enough support to pass the council and avoid opposition or a veto from Iran’s allies. Waltz tied the push to an effort by the Trump administration to restore freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, while noting that a shaky ceasefire remains in effect.
AP said that one Security Council diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive deliberations, raised a recurring issue in past Hormuz negotiations: language that directly condemns Iran, without also reflecting U.S. and Israeli strikes, has been a sticking point for some members of the council. The draft resolution, AP reported, also “welcomes ongoing efforts to deconflict and coordinate safe and secure transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz,” expresses support for seeking a durable peace in the region, and encourages member states to strengthen dialogue and consultations.
The new text also includes a requirement directed at other countries: it orders all other nations not to assist Iran in closing the strait or levying tolls. It “reaffirms” navigation and defense principles while attempting to close off what the United States views as external support for Iran’s ability to disrupt shipping.
AP further reported that the United States has been working to prevent a China veto, including at the highest diplomatic levels, as China and the United States prepare for President Donald Trump’s visit next week to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The outcome in the Security Council, Rubio said, will serve as “a real test” for the U.N. in ensuring it can “function” and solve global problems.