UN to vote on using ‘all defensive means’ to secure navigation in Strait of Hormuz

The UN Security Council has scheduled a vote at 11 am EDT Friday (April 3, 2026) on a Bahrain-sponsored resolution authorising use of defensive means — but not offensive — to secure international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz which has been mostly blocked by Iran.

The final draft to be voted on, obtained Thursday (April 2, 2026) by The Associated Press, significantly waters down earlier proposals.

Previous drafts would have authorized countries “to use all necessary means” — UN language including possible military action — to secure passage and deter attempts to interfere with international navigation.

The final draft authorises countries “to use all defensive means necessary and commensurate with the circumstances in the Strait of Hormuz and adjacent waters” to secure passage and deter attempts to interfere with international navigation “for a period of at least six months.” Russia and China had strongly opposed the previous drafts authorising possible offensive action.