The UN Security Council postponed a vote scheduled for Friday on authorizing the use of “defense” forces to secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz against Iranian threats, according to the official agenda.
The 15-member body was due to vote on the draft resolution submitted by Bahrain on Friday morning, but the plan was pushed back on Thursday evening.
Why was the vote postponed?
Sources told AFP the vote was delayed because the United Nations observes Good Friday as a public holiday. And this despite the fact that the date when the vote was originally scheduled is known.
When is the vote expected?
No new date has been set for a vote on the proposal. However, it is now expected to take place on Saturday.
The motion for a vote came amid rising tensions over maritime security in the West Asian conflict, which has led to severe disruptions to energy trade due to the virtual blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical point for global energy trade.
Bahrain, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the Security Council and has been under fire from Iran in the middle of the conflict, has called for an international response to threats to global shipping lanes.
Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Bahrain’s foreign minister, suggested the meeting earlier in his speech at the UN Security Council meeting on Thursday, saying: “The Kingdom of Bahrain has submitted to your esteemed Council a draft resolution on Iran’s illegal and unjustified attempt to control international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and has submitted to the Council a proposal for such actions that require a decisive response, which is a strong threat to the interests of nations and peoples around the world.”
Bahrain’s original proposal would have allowed countries to “use all necessary means” — UN language that would include possible military action — “in the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman” to secure passage and deter attempts to disrupt navigation.
Russia, China and France, all veto-wielding members of the 15-member Security Council, have expressed opposition to authorizing the use of force. The final draft excludes any reference to authorization of offensive military action.
The proposal now authorizes countries to “use all defensive means necessary and appropriate to the circumstances in the Strait of Hormuz and adjacent waters” to secure passage and deter attempts to disrupt international shipping “for a period of at least six months.”
(With input from agencies)
