The UN Security Council has failed to adopt a resolution aiming to boost security in the Strait of Hormuz as the critical shipping corridor remains largely closed to global trade and the transport of humanitarian aid, with war continuing to rage across the region.
Eleven countries voted in favour of the draft, which was vetoed by permanent members China and Russia while Colombia and Pakistan abstained.
The draft resolution sought to strongly encourage States interested in the use of commercial maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz – which lies between Iran, Oman and the United Arab Emirates – and to “coordinate efforts” defensively, to contribute to ensuring the safety and security of navigation there, including the use of escorts for merchant and commercial vessels.
The draft also demanded that Iran immediately cease all attacks on shipping and any attempt to impede transit or freedom of navigation in the strait.
The text was submitted by Bahrain alongside Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Speaking after the vote, Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani expressed regret on their behalf.
“The Council failed to shoulder its responsibility in relation to an illegal conduct that requires decisive action with no delay,” he said.
“Failing to adopt this resolution sends the wrong signal to the world, to the peoples of the world, the signal that the threat to international waterways can pass without any decisive action by the international organization responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security.”
