Tense vote in the UN Security Council for a resolution on opening the Strait of Hormuz by force. Who opposes

Bahrain watered down a proposed UN resolution on reopening the Strait of Hormuz amid opposition from China and Russia to the use of force, Reuters and the Associated Press write.

The UN Security Council is to vote on a resolution put forward by Bahrain, and supported by other Gulf states, on protecting commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and nearby areas, several diplomats said on Friday, but veto-wielding China made clear its opposition to authorizing any use of force.

Two diplomats quoted by Reuters said the meeting of the 15-member Council and the vote were scheduled for Saturday morning, and not for Friday as originally planned.

Oil prices have risen sharply since the United States and Israel attacked Iran in late February, triggering a conflict that has lasted more than a month and has effectively blocked the vital seaway.

“All Defensive Means Necessary”

Diplomats said Bahrain, the current Security Council president, had finalized a draft resolution, seen by Reuters, that would authorize “all necessary defensive means” to protect commercial shipping.

The draft resolution was watered down, including by adding the word “defensive”. Initially, the text proposed “the use of all necessary means”.

On Thursday morning, Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani told the Council that the vote would take place on Friday, adding that he looked forward to a “unified position” from the Council.

Bahrain, supported in its efforts to secure a resolution by other Gulf Arab states and by Washington, dropped explicit reference to the mandatory application of the measures in an attempt to overcome objections from other nations, notably Russia and China.

The draft seen by Reuters authorizes the measures “for a period of at least six months and until the Council decides otherwise”.

China's opposition

However, in statements to the Security Council on Thursday morning, before the language used in the draft resolution was watered down, China's UN ambassador, Fu Cong, opposed authorizing the use of force.

Such a measure would mean “legitimizing the illegal and indiscriminate use of force, which would inevitably lead to a further escalation of the situation and have serious consequences,” he added.

The Associated Press writes that Russia and France have also expressed opposition to the use of force.

A Security Council resolution requires at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes from the five permanent members: Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States.

Al Zayani said Iran's “illegal and unjustified attempt” to control international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz threatens global interests and requires a “decisive response”.

The Arab League supports Bahrain's efforts

Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit said he supported Bahrain's efforts to reach a resolution.

On Thursday, Britain hosted a meeting with more than 40 countries on efforts to reopen and secure passage through the Strait of Hormuz, and also expressed support for Bahrain's push for a resolution on the issue.

On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump vowed to continue the attacks but did not outline a plan to reopen the strait.

That sent oil prices up even more, fueling concerns that the United States may not be playing an important role in ensuring a safe route for shipping carriers on this waterway.