Strait of Hormuz security: US and Gulf allies back UN draft warning Iran on mines and tolls

The United States and Gulf allies have circulated a UN Security Council draft warning Iran of sanctions or other measures if it does not halt ship attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, stop illegal tolls, and disclose sea-mine locations. The text also urges Iran to cooperate with UN plans for a humanitarian corridor to protect freedom of navigation and aid deliveries.

The United States and several Gulf allies have circulated a draft UN Security Council resolution on the Strait of Hormuz. The text warns Iran of sanctions or other steps. It links action to Iran stopping ship attacks and ending what it calls illegal tolls. It also seeks mine disclosures to keep shipping routes open.

The draft, obtained on Tuesday by The Associated Press, also calls for a UN-backed humanitarian corridor in the strait. It asks Iran to join and allow deliveries of vital aid, fertiliser and other goods. The move marks a fresh diplomatic push. It follows a temporary ceasefire announced in early April.

UN resolution on Strait of Hormuz threatens sanctions

The proposal was written under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter. That framework can allow enforcement, including military measures. It threatens "effective measures that are commensurate with the gravity of the situation, including sanctions\" if Iran does not comply. A previous text dropped Chapter 7. China and Russia still vetoed it.

The United States and Gulf nations put forward the new version as the Trump administration seeks freer navigation. The Strait of Hormuz carried about 20 per cent of global crude oil. That was before the US and Israel began the war on Feb 28. A shaky ceasefire remains in place, according to the report.

Marco Rubio comments on Strait of Hormuz UN resolution

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday that Iran kept pressure on global trade. Rubio accused Iran of \"continuing to hold the worlds economy hostage\" by seeking to shut the strait. Rubio also cited threats to ships, sea mines and attempted tolls. Rubio said a vote could come soon.

Rubio later told journalists that a veto risk still existed. Rubio said it was unclear if small edits would satisfy Iran’s allies. The United States removed wording that would authorise force. The focus shifted towards the threat of sanctions. Rubio also said the vote would test UN effectiveness.

Security Council diplomats discuss Strait of Hormuz UN resolution text

A Security Council diplomat told AP that wording remained sensitive. The diplomat said some members objected to language condemning Iran alone. Some also wanted reference to US and Israeli strikes. The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity. The comment described past negotiations over Hormuz resolutions.

The draft reaffirms that states may defend their vessels against attacks and provocations. It also instructs other countries not to help Iran close the strait. The text also warns states against supporting toll collection. It welcomes efforts to coordinate safe passage and backs dialogue for durable regional peace.

US Ambassador Mike Waltz told reporters on Monday that the narrower draft could pass. Waltz said it was designed to avoid opposition or a veto. The diplomat also said Washington engaged Beijing to seek an abstention. The efforts reportedly reached senior levels. This came before President Donald Trumps visit next week to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

With inputs from PTI