A Bid to Use Force to Open Strait of Hormuz Hits U.N. Roadblocks
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- Russia, China, and France blocked efforts by Arab countries to have the UN Security Council authorize military action against Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, opposing any language permitting force.
- The resolution, drafted by Bahrain and supported by Gulf Arab states, is set for a vote on Friday, but it is uncertain if further diplomacy will change the stance of the three veto-wielding permanent members.
- The draft resolution seeks to authorize member states to use all necessary means to secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and gas shipments that Iran closed after US and Israeli attacks.
- Iran's closure of the strait has disrupted global energy markets, increased costs, and led to retaliatory attacks on Gulf Arab nations hosting US military bases, causing civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.
- Bahrain’s foreign minister condemned Iran’s actions as aggressive, premeditated, and in violation of international law, highlighting attacks on civilian infrastructure in the region.
