US pushes UN resolution to hold Iran accountable in Strait of Hormuz

The United States is working on a new United Nations Security Council resolution targeting Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz; because the administration is trying to strengthen the ongoing naval operation with international support.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said Monday that the effort is designed to hold Iran accountable for mining in international waters, threatening global shipping and trying to disrupt one of the world’s most critical trade routes.

“The President and Secretary Rubio instructed us to come to the Security Council with full cooperation and reach a decision with Bahrain and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries,” Waltz said at a news conference. he said. “We are working on a parallel effort in the Security Council that is separate and distinct from Project Freedom, but clearly related.”

“The decision will include holding Iran accountable for its flagrant violations of international law,” he added; This includes requiring Tehran to stop laying naval mines, disclose the location of mines, and work with the United Nations to create humanitarian corridors that dozens of U.N. agencies use to provide global aid.

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The diplomatic move comes as US forces moved in on Monday to secure commercial shipping through the strait under President Donald Trump’s Project Freedom. US Central Command confirmed that American forces sank six Iranian small boats that were threatening shipping, underscoring the fragility of the ceasefire and ongoing risks to global energy flows.

Waltz framed the effort as part of a broader effort to set a global precedent.

“We cannot set a standard that if there is conflict between two countries you can impose collective punishment on the economies of the rest of the world,” he said.

Asked by Fox News Digital about the broader consequences of Iran’s actions, Waltz said the United States is working to ensure international waterways are not weaponized.

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The United States is working on a new United Nations Security Council resolution targeting Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz. (AP Photo)

“You cannot start dropping sea mines indiscriminately into the ocean to sow suspicion and fear in the international maritime community,” he said. “And you certainly can’t look at it as a source of revenue… no country has the right to punish the rest of the world as part of a conflict.”

He also pointed to the human toll of the crisis, noting that thousands of civilian mariners have been caught in the escalating tensions.

“These are captains, engineers, cooks, deck hands… they had no role in this conflict. They should not be forced to suffer,” Waltz said, adding that the administration emphasized the humanitarian aspect of ensuring safe passage and aid distribution.

Fox News Digital also asked whether the United States and its partners should look beyond securing the strait and consider long-term structural solutions to bypass the strait altogether.

“I know our Gulf partners and allies are seriously considering this,” Waltz said, referring to existing infrastructure such as Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline and export routes through the Gulf of Oman. he said.

“I know they’re obviously looking for additional alternatives to diversify their pathways and diversify their economies,” he added.

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A woman walks past a billboard showing a military hand holding the Strait of Hormuz with Persian text reading “Forever in Iranian hands”, “Trump could not do anything”, “Control of the Strait of Hormuz will be Iran’s forever” in Vanak Square in northern Iran on April 16, 2026. (Vahid Salemi/AP)

While U.S. military efforts focus on immediate stability, including guiding ships and deterring Iranian harassment, Waltz emphasized that the U.N. resolution aims to address broader international implications and prevent similar crises in the future.

Despite that pressure, questions remain over whether Russia and China will support the measure after a previous attempt in April failed.

Waltz argued that the current proposal is narrower in scope and focuses specifically on clear violations of international law, which would reduce the likelihood of opposition.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Iranian delegation to the UN for comment.