UN Security Council to Vote on Resolution to Challenge Iran to Control Strait of Hormuz

JAKARTA - The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is likely to hold a vote or vote on a resolution on the Strait of Hormuz as early as Friday, April 3.

"The proposed resolution will authorize member states to use "all necessary and appropriate means of defense in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters, including in the territorial waters of coastal states within or bordering the Strait of Hormuz," said Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani on Thursday, quoted by Antara via Sputnik-RIA Novosti.

According to him, the effort is to secure transit routes and prevent attempts to close, block, or disrupt international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. In addition, the resolution also demands that Iran immediately stop all attacks on merchant and commercial vessels in the strait.

"We hope for a united position from this esteemed Council during the vote that will take place on the draft resolution tomorrow," Al Zayani said at a meeting of the UN Security Council.

"The draft document is fully in accordance with international law," Al Zayani added.

However, according to the Security Council's work schedule, no meeting is planned for Friday.

On February 28, the United States and Israel launched an attack on targets in Iran, including in Tehran, which caused damage and civilian casualties. Iran responded by attacking Israeli territory and US military facilities in the Middle East, as a form of self-defense.

The heightened tensions around Iran have led to a de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the main route for oil and liquefied natural gas shipments from Persian Gulf countries to global markets, which has prompted a surge in energy prices.