UN vote of Hormuz resolution delayed, China opposes use of force

Bahrain has significantly watered down a proposed U.N. resolution on reopening the Strait of Hormuz amid opposition from China and Russia about allowing countries to use force to secure the critical waterway Iran has largely cut off to global shipping.

The final draft of the proposal, obtained Thursday by The Associated Press, authorizes defensive �" but not offensive �" action to ensure vessels can safely transit the strait. One-fifth of the world’s oil typically passes through the waterway, where Iran’s stranglehold during the war has sent energy prices soaring.

Bahrain’s initial draft would have allowed countries “to use all necessary means” �" U.N. language that would include possible military action �" “in the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman” to secure passage and deter attempts to interfere with navigation.

Russia, China and France, all veto-wielding countries on the 15-member Security Council, had expressed opposition to approving the use of force. The final draft eliminates any reference to allowing offensive military action.

The Security Council originally scheduled a vote on the resolution for Friday, which is a U.N. holiday for Good Friday. But it later canceled that meeting, and U.N. diplomats, who spoke on condition of anonymity to preview the new timing before it has been announced, said the vote was now expected to be held Saturday.