Gulf-led Security Council Resolution on the Strait of Hormuz

In April 2026, the UN Security Council failed to adopt a Gulf-backed resolution on the Strait of Hormuz after China and Russia vetoed it, despite broad support from 11 members. The draft text condemned Iran’s attacks and threats against commercial vessels, determined that such actions constitute a threat to international peace and security, and demanded an immediate halt to disruptions of maritime navigation. It also reaffirmed the right of transit passage under international law, called for coordinated defensive measures to protect shipping, emphasized compliance with international humanitarian law, and urged de-escalation and renewed diplomacy while signaling readiness for further action against those undermining maritime security.

The Security Council,

Deploring attacks and threats on merchant and commercial vessels in and near the Strait of Hormuz by the Islamic Republic of Iran, in violation of international law, and the disruption of maritime security and the adverse impact on international trade, energy security, supply chains and global economy resulting from destabilizing activities and regional tensions in violation of international law,

Reaffirms its commitment to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of all States, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations,

Expressing alarm that recurring attacks and threats on merchant and commercial vessels in and near the Strait of Hormuz and other activities aimed at impeding lawful transit passage and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz since 28 February 2026 have continued since the adoption of resolution 2817 (2026) and resolving that such attacks and threats must stop immediately,

Recalling Resolution 552 (1984), which reaffirms the right of navigation for shipping en route to and from all ports and installations of the littoral States that are not parties to the hostilities,

Expressing its concern over the threat that these unlawful acts against the safety of navigation continue to pose to seafarers and other persons,

Condemning any actions or threats aimed at closing, obstructing, or otherwise interfering with international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, or threatening maritime security in the Bab Al Mandab and affirming that any attempt to impede lawful transit passage or freedom of navigation in these international waterways constitutes a serious threat to international peace and security,

Urging an immediate end to the disruption to global energy supplies via these attacks and threats on merchant and commercial vessels and interference with freedom of navigation,

Welcoming diplomatic efforts that advance the prospects for a durable peace, and encouraging Member States in the region to strengthen dialogue and consultations in this regard,

Noting that the International Maritime Organization Council has reaffirmed in its decision of 19 March 2026 that the exercise of navigational rights and freedoms by merchant and commercial vessels, in accordance with international law, including as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, must be respected,

Determining that Iran’s actions near and around the Strait of Hormuz, including its recurring threats and attacks on commercial and merchant vessels and actions impeding the freedom of navigation near and around the Strait of Hormuz constitute a threat to international peace and security,

1. Reaffirms that all ships and aircraft shall enjoy the right of transit passage, which shall not be impeded, through the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law, including as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, with due regard to the applicable rights and duties of littoral States;
2. Strongly encourages States interested in the use of commercial maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz to coordinate efforts, defensive in nature, commensurate to the circumstances, to contribute to ensuring the safety and security of navigation across the Strait of Hormuz, including through the escort of merchant and commercial vessels, and to deter attempts to close, obstruct or otherwise interfere with international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz;
3. Requests that States acting according to paragraph 2 take all appropriate measures to ensure that the activities they undertake related to this resolution are conducted in full compliance with international humanitarian law, and applicable international human rights law, and have due regard for the rights and freedoms of navigation of the ships of any third State with a view to urgently ensuring unhampered and unimpeded passage through the Strait of Hormuz;
4. Affirms that this resolution applies only with respect to the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, and shall not affect the rights or obligations or responsibilities of Member States under international law, including under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, with respect to any other situation, and underscores in particular that it shall not be considered as establishing customary international law;
5. Reaffirms the right of Member States, in accordance with international law, to defend their vessels from attacks and provocations, including those that undermine navigational rights and freedoms, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea;
6. Demands that the Islamic Republic of Iran immediately cease all attacks against merchant and commercial vessels and any attempt to impede transit passage or freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and further calls for the cessation of attacks against civilian infrastructure, including water infrastructure and desalination plants, as well as oil and gas installations;
7. Expresses its readiness to consider further measures, as appropriate, against those who take actions that undermine navigational rights and freedoms and impede transit passage or freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab Al Mandab;
8. Expresses concern over the spillover of threats to maritime navigation in Bab Al Mandab in violation of its Resolution 2722 (2024), and reaffirms the importance of protecting maritime security and navigation in accordance with international law in this regard;
9. Urges de-escalation of the ongoing hostilities in the Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman, further calls for a return to the path of diplomacy, and welcomes ongoing efforts seeking a durable peace in the region;
10. Requests the Secretary-General to provide a written report within seven days of the adoption of this resolution, and every 30 days thereafter, to the Security Council on any further attacks and provocations on merchant and commercial vessels, including those that undermine navigational rights and freedoms, by Iran in and around the Strait of Hormuz;
11. Decides to remain seized of the matter. 

Source: “UN Security Council Meetings & Outcomes Tables,” United Nations.