112 nations back UN resolution on Strait of Hormuz

A United Nations Security Council resolution calling for freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz has gained support from 112 countries, reflecting mounting international concern over tensions surrounding one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes.

The draft resolution, introduced by Bahrain and the United States, seeks to protect commercial shipping, energy supplies and maritime security while also urging an immediate halt to Iranian attacks on Gulf nations.

Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have joined Bahrain and Washington as principal sponsors of the proposal. Diplomatic sources said countries including India, Japan, South Korea, Kenya, Argentina and most European Union member states have also backed the resolution, making it one of the most widely supported initiatives currently before the Security Council.

The proposal comes amid continuing deadlock in negotiations between Iran and the United States. Washington has demanded that Tehran dismantle its nuclear programme and remove restrictions affecting the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran has called for sanctions relief, war reparations, an end to naval blockades and recognition of its sovereignty over the strategic waterway.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi accused the US of seeking surrender rather than peace, insisting Tehran’s conditions represented the minimum requirements for any lasting agreement.

This is the second such resolution introduced by Bahrain. A previous version tabled last month was vetoed by China and Russia, both of which have reportedly expressed reservations about the latest draft as well. No date has yet been set for a Security Council vote.

Regional diplomatic efforts have also intensified. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan travelled to Doha for talks with Qatari leaders, warning against using the Strait of Hormuz as a political weapon and calling for urgent steps to reopen the route for global shipping.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has arrived in Beijing for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where the conflict with Iran is expected to dominate discussions. China remains Iran’s largest oil customer and has continued commercial ties with Tehran throughout the crisis.

The ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have continued to fuel concerns in global energy markets, with fears that prolonged disruption could further increase oil prices and inflation worldwide.