U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Michael Waltz announced on Sunday that the United States will push for a United Nations Security Council resolution condemning Iran’s attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking on ABC’s This Week, Waltz stated, ‘No country can do what Iran is doing in international waterways.’
The U.S. has accused Iran of disrupting maritime traffic in the critical waterway, which remains a flashpoint for regional tensions. Waltz also defended the administration’s response, arguing that a month-old ceasefire in the region has been tested by recent drone attacks and missile exchanges. However, he declined to label these incidents as violations of the ceasefire, stating that such determinations are up to President Donald Trump as commander-in-chief.
Background and Context
The Strait of Hormuz is a key global shipping route, and Iran has previously threatened or carried out attacks on vessels in the area. Waltz emphasized that the U.S. has imposed a naval blockade to restrict Iranian shipping, claiming that Iran’s economy is in ‘absolute free-fall’ as a result. Retired Admiral William McRaven, appearing after Waltz on ABC, disputed the ambassador’s assessment, stating that the ceasefire had indeed been violated by recent exchanges of fire.
Opposing Perspectives
While the U.S. argues that Iran’s actions necessitate international condemnation, critics question the effectiveness of the administration’s strategy. Some analysts suggest that the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz—50 days after Trump demanded Iran reopen it—indicates a lack of progress. Others highlight the economic strain on Iran, which Waltz cited as evidence of U.S. pressure.
The push for a UN resolution comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve tensions, though the likelihood of Iran complying remains uncertain.