Iran warns against escalation as vote on shipping protection force is postponed amid divisions among global powers

Iran has warned the United Nations Security Council against taking any “provocative action” over the escalating crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, as a vote on a draft resolution was postponed without a new date.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said any move by “aggressors and their supporters,” including actions within the Security Council, could further complicate the already tense situation in the strategic waterway.

He made the remarks ahead of a planned vote on a draft resolution seeking to mandate an international force to protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

However, the vote was later postponed, with no fresh timeline announced.

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route for oil and gas, has remained effectively shut since the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, triggering heightened regional tensions.

According to the Council’s programme, the 15-member body was expected to vote on a draft resolution introduced by Bahrain. The proposal seeks authorisation for the use of defensive force to safeguard maritime traffic in the strait from alleged Iranian attacks.

The draft resolution is reportedly backed by the United States and several Gulf countries most affected by the disruption in shipping. However, it has faced opposition from key members of the Council, including Russia, China and France, reflecting deep divisions within the body.

The delay in the vote underscores the lack of consensus on how to address the crisis, raising concerns over further instability in one of the world’s most vital energy corridors.