Gulf states on Thursday urged the UN Security Council to authorize measures to protect the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran’s blockade of the vital shipping lane disrupts global energy supplies.

Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi called for action ahead of a planned council vote, accusing Iran of halting commercial vessels and oil tankers and imposing conditions on transit.

“We call upon the Security Council to assume its full responsibility and take all necessary measures to protect maritime routes and ensure the safe continuation of international navigation,” he said.

Bahrain has proposed a draft resolution, backed by the United States, that would allow countries to use force to ensure free passage. But the measure has divided the 15-member council, with Russia, China and France raising objections.

“The use of force cannot bring peace. Political settlement is the fundamental way forward,” China’s UN ambassador Fu Cong said.

Russia said it opposes one-sided measures that fail to address the conflict’s root causes, while French President Emmanuel Macron has called military action to reopen the strait “unrealistic.”

A revised draft seen by AFP would authorize “all defensive means necessary,” adding language to limit escalation. A vote is expected Friday.

US Ambassador Mike Walz said Washington supports Gulf allies, adding, “No country should be able to hold the world’s economies hostage.”

About a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Its near-total closure has driven up energy prices and disrupted supplies worldwide.