Security Council to vote on diluted Hormuz resolution Tuesday

Reuters reports that the UN Security Council is expected to vote Tuesday on a resolution aimed at protecting commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, but in a significantly watered-down form after China opposed authorizing the use of force.

Efforts by Bahrain, the current chair of the 15-member council, to secure a resolution have involved multiple drafts as negotiators tried to overcome opposition from veto powers China and Russia.

The latest text, seen by Reuters, removes any explicit authorization of force.

Instead, it “strongly encourages states interested in the use of commercial maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz to coordinate efforts, defensive in nature, commensurate to the circumstances,” to help ensure safe navigation.