US Pushes UN Move on Iran, China and Russia Likely to Block

The United States is pushing a new United Nations resolution that would require Iran to stop attacks and remove mines from the Strait of Hormuz. The plan was drafted by Washington, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar. The resolution calls for Iran to halt its military actions, reveal mine locations and allow clearance crews to work freely. It also condemns Iran’s violations of the current ceasefire and its attempts to block navigation through the strait. However, diplomats say that China and Russia will almost certainly veto the proposal. In a closed session of the 15‑member Security Council, both countries raised strong objections. China argued that the text was biased and unfairly used Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which could lead to sanctions or even military measures. A Russian diplomat demanded that the draft be withdrawn or rewritten entirely. The timing of the potential veto is awkward. President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit China next week, and the Iran issue will likely dominate discussions there. A Chinese veto could complicate diplomatic efforts between Washington and Beijing.The United States has previously tried to push similar resolutions. Last month, a US‑backed draft that could have opened the door to military action against Iran was blocked by Russia and China. Now, Washington’s UN envoy, Mike Waltz, warned that any country rejecting the new text would be setting a dangerous precedent and questioning its commitment to peace. Bahrain’s envoy, Jamal Fares Alrowaiei, said the country is ready to work constructively with all council members to finalize the resolution. The United States and Iran are reportedly close to a temporary agreement that would pause fighting but leave key disputes unresolved. U. S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called the resolution a test of the UN’s usefulness and urged China and Russia not to veto it. The outcome will shape how international actors address tensions in the Persian Gulf and the broader strategy for dealing with Iran’s military activities.