On May 5th local time, U.S. Secretary of State Rubio stated during a White House briefing that the United States has proposed a new United Nations resolution demanding that Iran cease its attacks and mine-laying activities in the Strait of Hormuz. He described this as a test of the UN's effectiveness and urged China and Russia not to exercise their veto power again.

Last month, China and Russia vetoed a U.S.-backed resolution concerning Iran. The Chinese representative to the UN emphasized that unauthorized military actions must not be legitimized, the use of force must not be granted a pass, and actions should not further inflame tensions or escalate conflict.

According to Reuters, UN Security Council members began closed-door consultations on May 5th regarding this draft resolution, jointly drafted by the U.S., Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Qatar. If passed, the resolution could impose sanctions on Iran; if Iran fails to halt attacks and threats against commercial shipping, it could authorize the use of force.

The draft resolution seen by Reuters avoids explicit language authorizing force but still operates under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, permitting the Security Council to take measures ranging from sanctions to military action.

The draft condemns Iran's alleged violations of the current ceasefire agreement and its "ongoing actions and threats aimed at closing, obstructing, or restricting" freedom of navigation in the strait. It demands that Iran immediately cease attacks, disclose the locations of all naval mines, and not obstruct clearance operations.

Due to disruptions in the transport of essential supplies like aid and fertilizer, the draft calls on Iran to cooperate with the UN to establish a humanitarian corridor in the Strait of Hormuz.

The draft proposes that the UN Secretary-General report on implementation within 30 days. If Iran fails to comply, the Security Council will reconvene to consider further measures, including potential sanctions.

During the briefing, Rubio claimed the demands in the draft resolution are "very moderate."

"No one wants to see this resolution vetoed again. We have made some minor adjustments to the wording," Rubio told reporters. "I don't know if this will avoid a veto." He added, "All we are asking is for them to condemn this behavior, demand Iran stop attacking ships, clear the mines, and allow humanitarian aid to pass."

Rubio also stated, "It is in the interest of China and Russia to pass this resolution and increase pressure on Iran, because they do not want to see international waterways, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, closed, causing economic disruption for dozens of countries worldwide."

"I think this is a real test of whether the UN can function as an effective institution," Rubio continued, targeting the UN. "If you tell me that the international community and hundreds of countries cannot unite to support this, then I don't know what use the UN system has if it cannot resolve something this straightforward."

Reuters reported that diplomats familiar with the matter said Washington hopes to conclude negotiations quickly, aiming to distribute a final draft by Friday and hold a vote early next week. However, Russia and China are still considering other draft resolutions.

UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated that commenting on the draft was not his role. However, he added, "Obviously, we want to see this international waterway remain open, safely open, and the restoration of freedom of navigation, which is vital to the world."

Additionally, according to a U.S. State Department readout, Rubio spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov on May 5th about Iran, bilateral relations, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The statement said the call was made at the Russian Foreign Minister's request.

The Russian Foreign Ministry did not explicitly state that Iran was discussed, only mentioning that the two sides "exchanged views on the current international situation and Russia-U.S. relations, and discussed the schedule of bilateral contacts." The Russian side described the talks as "constructive and practical."

On May 4th, U.S.-Iran tensions escalated anew. The U.S. reported destroying six small Iranian vessels, while an Iranian missile struck an oil port in the UAE. This shook the fragile four-week ceasefire and intensified the mutually imposed maritime blockades.

Previously, the U.S. had launched the "Freedom Initiative"—a U.S.-led effort to allow stranded tankers and other vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. also distributed a proposal to partner nations suggesting the creation of a new multinational maritime coalition, the Maritime Freedom Construct (MFC), aimed at establishing a post-conflict security architecture for the Middle East and reopening the strait once stability is achieved.

Rubio said on May 5th that several countries had expressed willingness to support the "Freedom Initiative" but declined to name them. Reuters noted that some countries had indicated any action would require a UN mandate to commit military assets.

However, later that day, U.S. President Trump made a new statement on social media, announcing a temporary halt to the "Freedom Initiative."

He wrote: "At the request of Pakistan and other countries, and in light of our significant military successes against Iran and the substantial progress made in reaching a comprehensive final agreement with Iranian representatives, we have mutually agreed that the 'Freedom Initiative' will be temporarily suspended while the blockade remains fully in effect, to observe if the agreement can be finalized and signed."