The UN Security Council is now expected to vote next week on a Bahraini resolution to protect commercial shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz, diplomats said, but veto-wielding China has made clear its opposition to authorising any use of force.

A meeting of the Council’s 15 members was initially set for Friday, and then rescheduled for Saturday. Several diplomats said it had now been postponed until next week, with no new date yet announced. No reason for the delay was mentioned.

The resolution has been toned down from its original form.

A Security Council resolution requires at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes from the five permanent members, Britain, China, France, Russia and the US.