US-proposed Iran resolution at UN faces likely vetoes from China, Russia

Lead

The United States has urged countries to support a United Nations resolution demanding Iran halt attacks and the laying of mines in the Strait of Hormuz, but diplomats say China and Russia are likely to veto the measure. The resolution, co-drafted by the US and Bahrain and backed by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar, could lead to sanctions against Iran and potentially authorize force if Tehran does not stop threats to commercial shipping.

Coverage Comparison

The Jerusalem Post reported that the US presented the draft to the Security Council this week, with Washington's UN envoy Mike Waltz warning that countries opposing the measure would be "setting a very, very dangerous precedent." The report highlighted that a Chinese veto would be awkward ahead of President Donald Trump's upcoming trip to China. Meanwhile, TASS — English quoted Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alimov calling on the US and Bahrain to withdraw their draft, saying Moscow sees no potential for the document. The Russian-Chinese draft, Alimov said, remains on the negotiating table.

Key Claims

• The US-proposed resolution demands Iran halt attacks and mining in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Jerusalem Post.
• China and Russia are likely to veto the resolution, diplomats told the Jerusalem Post.
• A previous resolution backed by the US failed last month after Russia and China exercised their vetoes in the 15-member Security Council, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.
• The new text was drafted by the US and Bahrain, with support from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar, the Jerusalem Post reported.
• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the resolution a "test of the utility of the United Nations," according to the Jerusalem Post.
• The resolution could lead to sanctions against Iran and potentially authorize force if Tehran fails to halt attacks and threats to commercial shipping, the Jerusalem Post reported.
• Russia calls on the US and Bahrain to withdraw the draft resolution, as stated by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alimov in an interview with Izvestia, reported by TASS — English.
• The Russian-Chinese draft remains on the negotiating table and includes calls for an end to the war, refraining from the use of force, and resolving differences at the negotiating table, TASS — English reported.

Perspectives

United States

The US, through Secretary of State Marco Rubio and UN Ambassador Mike Waltz, frames the resolution as a simple proposition crucial to the UN's credibility. Waltz warned that opposing it sets a dangerous precedent, and Rubio described it as a test of the UN's utility. Washington hopes to hold a vote early next week.

Russia

Moscow, represented by Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alimov, argues that the US-Bahraini draft has no potential and should be withdrawn. Russia instead advocates its own joint draft with China, which emphasizes ending the war and political-diplomatic settlement, and expresses concern over new strikes between Iran and the US.