New york: Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs and President of the United Nations Security Council for the current month, chaired the Security Council session convened to vote on a draft resolution submitted by the Kingdom of Bahrain, on behalf of the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, concerning freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the Foreign Minister emphasized the global significance of the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 38 percent of global seaborne crude oil trade passes, along with significant percentages of liquefied petroleum gas, liquefied natural gas, refined petroleum products, helium supplies, food, and medicines. He highlighted that any disruption in this vital waterway affects not just energy markets but also agricultural supply chains, global food security, and key sectors of advanced technologies.
Dr. Al Zayani articulated that the security of the Strait of Hormuz is a shared international responsibility and stressed that its obstruction by the Islamic Republic of Iran would violate international law, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and fundamental moral principles. He warned that allowing the Strait to remain closed would set a precedent for similar actions in other waterways.
The draft resolution was presented as a response to Iran's documented pattern of hostile conduct and recent unlawful attacks using ballistic missiles and drones, in violation of international humanitarian law. The Security Council had previously condemned threats to navigation in the Arabian Gulf, and Dr. Al Zayani urged the Council to stand firm against Iran's economic coercion and threats of closing the Strait.
The session concluded with a vote on the draft resolution, which was not adopted due to vetoes by the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China. Eleven members voted in favor, while Pakistan and Colombia abstained.
Following the vote, Dr. Al Zayani expressed profound regret over the Council's failure to adopt the resolution, emphasizing the need for a durable solution guaranteeing freedom of navigation through the Strait as an international waterway. He reiterated the international community's obligations under Security Council Resolution 2817 and called upon Iran to comply fully with these obligations.
Dr. Al Zayani affirmed that the Gulf states would continue to work with partners to guarantee freedom of navigation and protect international maritime routes, despite the Council's decision. He stressed that the failure to adopt the resolution sends a troubling message regarding the Security Council's capacity to maintain international peace and security.
The Foreign Minister concluded by urging the Islamic Republic of Iran to cease its attacks and obstruction of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, reaffirming the commitment of the Gulf states to protect maritime navigation and engage with the Security Council to ensure compliance with international law.