US-proposed Iran resolution at UN faces likely vetoes from China, Russia

The United States called on countries on Thursday to back its resolution at the United Nations, which demands that Iran stop its attacks and mining activities in the Strait of Hormuz. However, diplomats indicated that China and Russia are expected to veto the resolution. A veto from China would be particularly awkward as U.S. President Donald Trump is set to visit China next week, with the issue of Iran likely to be a key topic. Last month, a previous resolution supported by the U.S. that seemed to pave the way for military action against Iran was rejected after Russia and China used their vetoes in the 15-member U.N. Security Council. U.S. envoy Mike Waltz, speaking alongside representatives from Gulf nations that back the new draft, told reporters that countries opposing the resolution are creating a very dangerous precedent. He questioned whether countries that reject such a straightforward idea genuinely desire peace. The new resolution was created by the U.S. and Bahrain, with backing from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar. In response, Iran’s U.N. Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani described the resolution as “deeply flawed, one-sided, and politically motivated.” He criticized the U.S., stating that it lacks the legal, political, and moral authority to act as a guardian of navigation and maritime security, particularly in light of the U.S. military's blockade on Iranian vessels. Diplomats mentioned that strong objections from China and Russia arose during a closed Security Council session this week, making it likely that they will veto this resolution.