UN Security Council: Gulf States Back US Resolution on Strait of Hormuz

Why It Matters

The outcome will dictate whether the Strait of Hormuz remains open for oil shipments, directly influencing global energy prices and signaling the balance of power among major powers in the Middle East.

Key Takeaways

• US and Bahrain lead UN resolution supporting Hormuz navigation
• Gulf Cooperation Council co‑sponsors, emphasizing regional economic stability
• Russia and China threaten veto, citing sanctions language on Iran
• Qatar warns closure would turn regional crisis into global energy shock
• Vote could occur early next week, pending Security Council negotiations

Summary

The United Nations Security Council is debating a resolution championed by the United States and Bahrain that reaffirms the principle of free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The draft enjoys broad backing from the Gulf Cooperation Council, which sees the waterway as vital to the economies of Manama, Kuwait City, Dubai, Riyadh and Doha, and to global energy flows. Key insights reveal a stark divide: while Gulf states stress regional stability and the economic fallout of a closure, Russia and China have signaled they will veto the text as written, objecting to language that hints at sanctions on Iran and omits blame for the conflict on the United States and Israel. Qatar’s warning that a shutdown would transform a regional dispute into a worldwide crisis underscores the strategic stakes. The transcript features a rhetorical appeal contrasting a regime that “slaughters its own people” with the “shining cities” of the Gulf, and cites Gabriel Elizondo of Al Jazeera reporting from New York. The draft could be brought to a vote as early as next week, though the veto threat looms large. If adopted, the resolution would reinforce international commitment to keeping the strait open, stabilizing oil markets and signaling a united front against coercive tactics. Conversely, a veto would expose fractures in the council and could embolden Iran to leverage the chokepoint, heightening geopolitical risk for global businesses.

Original Description

The UN Security Council is negotiating a draft resolution that would demand Iran stop any actions impeding maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. A similar draft was vetoed by Russia and China last month. This version is similar, but members are trying to convince Moscow and Beijing to support it.

Al Jazeera’s Gabriel Elizondo reports from the United Nations headquarters in New York.

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