The UN Security Council has postponed a highly anticipated vote on a resolution to reopen the Strait of Hormuz after the proposal was significantly "watered down" to avoid potential vetoes from Russia and China.

The delay comes as Iran issued a stern warning to the 15-member body, labeling any move to authorize force in the vital waterway as a "provocative action" that would further destabilize the region.

The final draft of the resolution, sponsored by Bahrain, was significantly diluted following intense opposition to the use of offensive military power.

While an initial version authorized countries to "use all necessary means"—UN shorthand for military action—the revised text only permits "all defensive means necessary and commensurate with the circumstances."

This authorization would apply to the Strait of Hormuz and adjacent waters for a period of at least six months, allowing for multinational naval partnerships provided the Security Council is notified in advance.

Despite these concessions, the vote—originally scheduled for Friday—was abruptly postponed with no new date set.

The Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of the world’s oil typically passes, has been effectively throttled since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28.

The resulting blockade has sent global energy prices soaring, creating a critical pain point for the global economy.

In Tehran, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that interference by the Security Council would only "complicate the situation."

He described the proponents of the resolution as "aggressors and their supporters," cautioning against any mandate that would protect shipping through what Iran considers its sovereign maritime interests.

Within the Council, the divide remains sharp. China’s UN Ambassador Fu Cong previously slammed the authorization of force as "unlawful and indiscriminate," warning it would lead to "serious consequences."

Russia’s Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia echoed this sentiment, stating that the proposal "does not solve the puzzle" and that only an end to hostilities would provide a lasting solution.

France, while previously hesitant, signaled that the shift toward purely "defensive measures" might eventually be acceptable.

The diplomatic standoff follows a March 11 resolution that condemned Iran’s "egregious attacks" on Gulf nations. That measure passed 13-0, with Russia and China abstaining.

As the conflict enters its second month, USPresident Donald Trump stated in a Wednesday address that military operations against Iran would continue "extremely hard" for the next two to three weeks, leaving the fate of the world's most important oil artery hanging in the balance.

With Inputs from Agencies