International Powers Clash Over Opening Strait of Hormuz

The United Nations Security Council is preparing to vote on a resolution proposed by Bahrain that would allow countries to use defensive means to open the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global maritime chokepoint. The move comes amid escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf region, where Iran has threatened to close the strategic waterway in response to increasing economic sanctions.

The Bahraini-led resolution, which has the backing of several Gulf Cooperation Council nations, seeks to establish a legal framework for countries to take action to ensure the free flow of oil tanker and cargo ship traffic through the Strait. Iran, which borders the northern side of the Strait, has repeatedly warned it could close the passage in retaliation for tightening sanctions aimed at its nuclear program and regional influence.

{{IMAGE_PLACEHOLDER}}

The proposed resolution comes at a time of heightened military tensions in the region, including a series of attacks on oil tankers that the United States has blamed on Iran, as well as the downing of a US surveillance drone by Iranian forces. Tehran has denied involvement in the tanker attacks and said the drone had violated Iranian airspace.