The 15-member Council voted 11 in favour of the Bahrain-backed draft, with two votes against and two abstentions, but the measure failed due to opposition from permanent members. Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani told the Council that the draft had not been adopted owing to the negative vote.
The resolution, backed by the United States and Gulf oil producers, had initially sought to provide a clear UN mandate for states to act to unblock the strait, but was diluted during negotiations to remove explicit authorisation of force, even in defensive terms.
The vote came hours before a deadline set by US President Donald Trump for Iran to reach an agreement or face potential military action targeting key infrastructure. Iran has effectively blockaded the strategic waterway since the outbreak of war on February 28.
Gulf states expressed frustration at the Council’s failure to act. The United Arab Emirates said it “deeply regrets” the veto, warning that the strait must remain open and that no country should be allowed to disrupt global commerce or push the world towards economic crisis.
Pakistan, meanwhile, emphasised the need for restraint and diplomacy. Speaking after the vote, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative Asim Iftikhar reiterated Islamabad’s solidarity with Bahrain and other Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
He described the Strait of Hormuz as a critical shipping route and called for the protection of vessels and crews, alongside the swift restoration of normal maritime traffic. He warned that the closure has triggered one of the largest energy supply shocks in modern history.
“The impact is being felt not only in energy flows but also in fertilisers and essential commodities, affecting food security, cost of living and the livelihoods of the most vulnerable,” he said, adding that South Asia is already under strain.
Pakistan supported the core objective of the draft resolution – reopening the strait – and recalled its backing of a previous Council measure on the issue. However, it stressed that space must be allowed for ongoing diplomatic initiatives to de-escalate the conflict.
Highlighting recent efforts, the envoy noted that Pakistan has engaged regional and global partners to advance a peaceful resolution, including high-level consultations involving key countries.
“At this critical juncture, restraint, diplomacy and dialogue must prevail,” he said, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and preventing further escalation in a conflict with mounting global repercussions.