The United States is urging member states to back a United Nations draft resolution calling on Iran to stop alleged attacks and halt mining activities in the Strait of Hormuz.
However diplomatic sources indicate that Russia and China are likely to reject the proposal through their veto power in the Security Council.
According to reports, a potential Chinese veto could create diplomatic sensitivity for Washington particularly as US President Donald Trump is expected to visit China next week, where the Iran conflict is expected to feature prominently in discussions.
This comes after a previous US-supported resolution failed last month when both Russia and China blocked it in the 15-member UN Security Council. That earlier proposal was seen by some diplomats as potentially opening the door for legitimizing US military action against Iran.
US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz, speaking alongside representatives of several Gulf states supporting the draft, said that rejecting such a resolution would set a “very dangerous precedent.” He questioned whether countries opposing the measure could truly claim to support peace and maritime security.
The new draft has been jointly prepared by the United States and Bahrain with backing from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar.
Iran’s UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani strongly criticized the proposal, calling it “biased, politically driven, and fundamentally flawed.” He argued that Washington lacks the legitimacy to present itself as a guardian of maritime safety while maintaining restrictions on Iranian shipping.
Diplomatic sources say the draft faced firm objections from Russia and China during closed consultations at the Security Council this week. One diplomat noted that Russia has suggested withdrawing or substantially rewriting the text while China has raised concerns over its perceived partiality and its reference to Chapter VII of the UN Charter which allows for sanctions or military action.
The resolution condemns what it describes as Iranian violations of the ceasefire and accuses Tehran of threatening freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. It calls for an immediate end to attacks, disclosure of any mine locations, and unhindered clearance operations in the area.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described the draft as a key test of the United Nations’ credibility, urging both Russia and China not to block its passage.
