UN Security Council Votes on Bahrain's Defensive Navigation Resolution

The UN Security Council is set to vote on a Bahrain-sponsored resolution that allows defensive measures to secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The final draft, significantly watered down, authorizes defensive but not offensive actions for six months. Russia and China previously opposed more aggressive drafts.

The United Nations Security Council is poised to cast its votes today at 11 am EDT on a resolution led by Bahrain. This resolution advocates for the use of defensive measures—excluding offensive actions—to ensure safe navigation through the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz.

The final draft of the resolution, accessed by The Associated Press, notably scales back earlier drafts that suggested countries could use 'all necessary means,' a phrase traditionally encompassing potential military actions. Instead, the current version permits nations to employ solely defensive means that align with the prevailing circumstances to maintain freedom of navigation.

This resolution, if passed, will be in effect for a minimum of six months. It aims to mitigate the blockade threats in the Strait, primarily attributed to Iranian activity. Previous iterations had faced strong opposition from Russia and China due to their provisions for possible offensive actions.

(With inputs from agencies.)