By David Brunnstrom and John Irish WASHINGTON/PARIS, May 5 (Reuters) – On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio referred to a U.S.-proposed U.N. resolution that calls for Iran to cease its attacks and th...
By David Brunnstrom and John Irish
WASHINGTON/PARIS, May 5 (Reuters) – On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio referred to a U.S.-proposed U.N. resolution that calls for Iran to cease its attacks and the laying of mines in the Strait of Hormuz as a crucial test of the effectiveness of the United Nations. He urged China and Russia not to use their vetoes again.
Members of the U.N. Security Council started closed discussions on Tuesday about a resolution drafted by the U.S. in collaboration with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar. If approved, this resolution could lead to sanctions against Iran and possibly authorize military action if Tehran does not stop its attacks and threats against commercial shipping.
Recent exchanges of gunfire on Monday highlighted the urgency of the situation as the U.S. and Iran compete for control over this critical waterway, vital for global energy and trade. This has put additional strain on a fragile truce that has only lasted four weeks, creating rival maritime blockades.
A previous resolution from Bahrain, supported by the U.S., which seemed to pave the way for legitimizing U.S. military action against Iran, did not pass last month due to vetoes from Russia and China in the 15-member Security Council.
The new draft avoids direct language allowing for military force but still operates under Chapter VII of the U.N. Charter, which gives the Security Council the authority to impose measures ranging from sanctions to military action.
“Everyone wouldn’t want to see this vetoed again, and we’ve made some slight adjustments to the language,” Rubio told reporters at a White House briefing, adding, “I don’t know if it will avoid a veto or not.”
“I think it’s a real test for the U.N. … as something that functions,” he added.
A draft of the resolution viewed by Reuters condemns Iran's alleged violations of the current ceasefire and its “continuing actions and threats aimed at closing, obstructing, tolling” the freedom of navigation through the strait.
It calls for Iran to immediately stop attacks, reveal the locations of any mines, and not hinder clearance operations. “All we’re asking them to do is to condemn it, to call on Iran to stop blowing up ships, to remove these mines, and to allow humanitarian relief to come through,” Rubio mentioned.
“To both the Chinese and the Russians, I have argued that it is in their interest for that resolution to pass and for pressure to be brought on Iran, because it is in their interest to prevent international waterways, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, from closing down and causing economic chaos to many countries worldwide,” he added.
The draft also requests Tehran to cooperate with U.N. efforts to create a humanitarian corridor through the strait, noting disruptions in aid deliveries, fertilizer shipments, and other essential goods.
The U.N. Secretary-General would report back within 30 days on compliance, and the Security Council would meet again to consider additional actions, including possible sanctions, if Iran fails to comply with the resolution.
CHINA ASSESSES DRAFT
Diplomats noted that Washington aims to finalize negotiations quickly, hoping to distribute a final draft by Friday and hold a vote early next week, although Russia and China are still reviewing an alternative text.
When asked if the resolution might avoid another Chinese veto, China’s U.N. mission replied, “The draft was circulated yesterday afternoon. We are still doing our assessment.”
Russia’s U.N. mission did not immediately respond to inquiries.
U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stated that he could not comment on drafts specifically but emphasized the importance of keeping international waterways open and ensuring the safety of navigation critical to the world.
The escalation on Monday involved the U.S. claiming to have destroyed six Iranian small boats, while Iranian missiles struck a UAE oil port, following Washington’s launch of “Project Freedom.” This U.S.-led initiative aims to maneuver stranded tankers and other vessels through Hormuz.
Additionally, Washington has shared a proposal with partners for a new multinational maritime coalition, the Maritime Freedom Construct (MFC), designed to create a post-conflict security framework for the Middle East and facilitate reopening the strait once conditions improve.
The MFC is intended to collaborate with a separate Franco-British maritime mission involving approximately 30 nations, aiming to establish safe transit through the strait once the situation stabilizes or the conflict is resolved, with Iranian coordination.
Some countries have indicated that any mission would require a U.N. mandate before deploying military assets.
“The MFC is complementary to other maritime security task forces, including the maritime planning effort led by the UK and France,” according to a diplomatic document shared with governments.
“The MFC will maintain its structural independence, though close coordination is essential for achieving robust maritime security,” it concluded.