The United States and its Gulf allies have proposed a United Nations Security Council resolution that threatens Iran with sanctions unless it stops interfering with navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a draft of the text obtained Tuesday by The Associated Press. The proposal demands that Iran cease attacks on commercial ships, stop imposing what the resolution terms “illegal tolls,” and disclose the placement of all sea mines to restore freedom of passage. It also requires Iran to “immediately participate in and enable” U.N. efforts to create a humanitarian corridor through the strait for the delivery of vital aid.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a statement Tuesday, accused Iran of continuing “to hold the world’s economy hostage” by attempting to close the strait, attacking vessels, laying sea mines, and charging tolls for transit. Rubio said he expected the resolution to be voted on in the coming days, but acknowledged that it remained uncertain whether “slight adjustments” the U.S. had made — including the removal of language authorizing the use of force — would be enough to avert a veto from China or Russia. He called the vote “a real test” for the U.N. as an institution capable of solving global problems.
The revised text, drafted under Chapter 7 of the U.N. Charter, threatens “effective measures that are commensurate with the gravity of the situation, including sanctions” if Iran does not comply. The earlier resolution had also invoked Chapter 7 but was vetoed by China and Russia hours before the temporary ceasefire was announced in early April.
U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Mike Waltz expressed optimism, telling reporters Monday that he believes the narrower, sanctions‑focused version will secure the nine votes needed and avoid opposition from Tehran’s diplomatic allies on the Security Council.
A Security Council diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive deliberations, told AP that in past negotiations over Hormuz resolutions, language directly condemning Iran without also reflecting U.S. and Israeli strikes had been a sticking point for some members. The diplomat added that the United States has been engaging China at the highest diplomatic levels to persuade Beijing to abstain, in the run‑up to President Donald Trump’s planned visit to China next week for a meeting with President Xi Jinping.
The Strait of Hormuz carried about 20 percent of the world’s crude oil before the outbreak of war in late February. The draft resolution reaffirms the right of all nations to defend their vessels from attack and orders other countries not to assist Iran in closing the strait or imposing tolls. It also “welcomes ongoing efforts to deconflict and coordinate safe and secure transit passage” and “encourages member states in the region to strengthen dialogue and consultations.”