UN Security Council Delays Vote on Authorizing Force to Reopen Strait of Hormuz

Apr 3, 2026

The UN Security Council postponed a vote on a Bahrain-drafted resolution authorizing member states to use all necessary means to defend shipping in the Strait of Hormuz against Iranian interference. Bahrain's foreign minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani accused Iran of treacherous attacks on civilian infrastructure including airports and seaports, while Iran signaled its intention to continue overseeing shipping traffic and potentially collecting tolls. Veto-wielding China, along with France and Russia, opposed military authorization, with French President Emmanuel Macron calling use of force unrealistic and dangerous. A 41-nation coalition led by the United Kingdom characterized Iran's blockage as holding the global economy hostage but agreed that a ceasefire should precede further action on the issue.

UN Security Council Resolution on Strait of Hormuz

▪Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani stated that Iran targeted civilian structures including airports, water stations, seaports and hotels.
▪Gulf countries attempted to advance a resolution drafted by Bahrain in the United Nations Security Council to authorize the use of force to defend shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
▪Bahrain's foreign minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani stated that Iran's aggressive intentions toward Arab neighbors were treacherous and preplanned.

France's Opposition to Authorizing Force

▪Emmanuel Macron stated that use of force would expose people to threats from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.
▪French President Emmanuel Macron stated that use of force was unrealistic because it would take an inordinate amount of time.

International Coalition Response and Diplomatic Efforts

▪A 41-nation virtual coalition meeting chaired by the United Kingdom discussed Iran's blockage of the Strait of Hormuz.
▪The United Kingdom meeting readout stated that participants agreed to comprehensively reject the imposition of tolls on vessels seeking to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
▪The 41-nation coalition meeting participants wanted a ceasefire before considering going further on the Strait of Hormuz issue.
▪The 41-nation coalition meeting participants agreed to reject Iran's effort to potentially collect tolls for letting ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
▪The 41-nation coalition meeting participants stated that Iran was trying to hold the global economy hostage.

Perspective of 41-nation coalition led by United Kingdom

▪The 41-nation coalition agreed to send clear and coordinated messages to Iran to permit unimpeded transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
▪The 41-nation coalition meeting participants wanted a ceasefire before considering going further on the Strait of Hormuz issue.
▪The 41-nation coalition meeting participants characterized Iran as trying to hold the global economy hostage through blockage of the Strait of Hormuz.