UN Faces Tense Vote on Strait of Hormuz Amid Trump’s Iran Deadline.

•  The UN Security Council is preparing to vote on a new resolution addressing the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, though its fate remains uncertain after major revisions watered down the original proposal.

The vote is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. local time (1500 GMT), just hours before former President Donald Trump’s deadline for Iran to reach an agreement or risk potential U.S. military action against critical infrastructure.

Unlike earlier drafts, the revised resolution no longer includes any authorisation for the use of force – even in defence – reflecting efforts to gain support from veto-wielding council members.

Originally backed by Bahrain, the U.S., and other Gulf nations, the initiative sought a mandate that could have allowed military intervention to reopen the waterway. Opposition from permanent members including France, Russia, and China forced multiple revisions and delays.

The updated text instead focuses on coordinated defensive measures, such as escorting commercial vessels, while calling on Iran to immediately stop attacks on merchant ships and refrain from blocking transit. It also urges an end to strikes on civilian infrastructure, including water, oil, and gas facilities.

Tensions have risen since Iran’s blockade of the strait following U.S. and Israel military actions on February 28, which disrupted global energy markets. French Ambassador, Jerome Bonnafont, has indicated support for a “defensive response” approach, framing the resolution as a compromise between competing international interests.

Analysts, including Daniel Forti of the International Crisis Group, say the measure could still serve as a strong diplomatic rebuke of Iran, even without authorising force.

However, a veto from Russia or China remains a real possibility, given their alignment with Tehran and caution about escalating the conflict. Historically, UN Security Council approvals for military action have been rare, with precedents including the 1990 Gulf War and NATO’s 2011 intervention in Libya.