US advocates for UN resolution to hold Iran responsible in the Strait of Hormuz

Walz asserts Trump diminished Iran’s influence by blocking the Strait of Hormuz

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Walz has discussed the United States’ strategy regarding Iran, stating that President Donald Trump has significantly reduced Iran’s economic influence by implementing a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz. Walz highlighted that Iran must cease its support for terrorism and move away from its nuclear ambitions towards a path of normalization. He also mentioned the robust military presence of the U.S., which, in his view, has compelled Iran to engage in peace negotiations directly.

The U.S. is advocating for a new UN Security Council resolution that targets Iran’s activities in the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to enhance ongoing maritime operations with backing from the international community. Walz made it clear that this initiative is about holding Iran accountable for its actions, including high seas mining and threats to global shipping, which disrupt one of the world’s key trade routes.

During a press conference, he stated, “I have directed the President and Secretary Rubio to work closely and attend the Security Council to draft a resolution alongside Bahrain and the GCC states.” He added that they are pursuing a parallel effort with Project Freedom in the Security Council that aligns with these objectives.

Walz emphasized the need for Iran to be held accountable for clear violations of international law, urging Tehran to cease its mining activities, disclose the locations of these mines, and collaborate with the United Nations to establish humanitarian corridors that various UN agencies rely on for aid distribution globally.

The diplomatic situation is shifting as the U.S. military is actively securing commercial vessels traversing the Strait under Trump’s “Project Freedom.” U.S. Central Command has confirmed the sinking of six small Iranian boats that posed threats to shipping, underscoring the ongoing volatility of the ceasefire and the risks to global energy supplies.

Walz described this military action as part of a larger effort to set international standards. He stated, “We cannot normalize a situation where, during conflicts between two nations, we collectively punish the economies of other countries.” He pointed out the human toll of the crisis, noting that countless civilian mariners are caught in escalating tensions, emphasizing that they shouldn’t be made to suffer due to conflicts beyond their control.

When asked whether the United States and its allies should consider long-term solutions beyond just securing the strait, Walz acknowledged that Gulf nations are indeed contemplating alternatives, referencing existing infrastructure like Saudi Arabia’s east-west pipeline and other export routes through the Gulf of Oman. He added, “I know they are examining options to diversify routes and their economies.”

While efforts are underway to stabilize the region in the short term, Walz reiterated that the goal of the proposed UN resolution is to address the larger international implications and prevent future crises of this nature. With concerns about whether Russia and China will support the resolution after a previous failure, Walz argued that the new proposal is more narrowly focused on distinct violations of international law and may face less opposition.