UN Security Council postpones vote on Strait of Hormuz defensive force resolution

Key facts

• The UN Security Council (UNSC) postponed a scheduled Friday vote on a draft resolution brought by Bahrain to authorise defensive force to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz from Iranian attacks.
• The postponement was due to the United Nations observing Good Friday as a public holiday.
• No new date for the vote has been announced, though it is now expected on Saturday.
• Bahrain, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the UNSC, submitted the draft resolution.
• The final draft authorises countries to use all defensive means necessary in the Strait of Hormuz and adjacent waters for at least six months to secure passage and deter interference with international navigation.
• Russia, China and France, all veto-wielding members of the 15-member UNSC, had expressed opposition to approving the use of force.