Russia and China blocked a UN Security Council resolution to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping lane blocked by Iran.
UNITED NATIONS: Russia and China vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The draft, prepared by Bahrain and supported by the United States, received 11 votes in favour but was blocked by the two permanent members.
Two other council members abstained from the vote. The resolution had been significantly diluted from its original form, which sought to authorise the use of force to protect the waterway.
Iran has imposed an effective blockade on the strait since late February. The waterway normally carries one-fifth of the world’s oil, and the closure has sent ripple effects through the global economy.
The vote occurred hours before a US ultimatum for Tehran to open the strait was set to expire. US President Donald Trump had warned that failure to comply would result in devastating consequences for Iran.
US ambassador Mike Waltz stated the veto does not restrict American actions. “Today’s result does not restrict the United States to continue to act in its own self defense and in the collective defense of our allies and partners,” he said.
Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani expressed regret on behalf of Gulf states. He argued the failure “sends the wrong signal to the world” about threats to international waterways.
Iran’s UN ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, celebrated the veto. He said the text was designed “to punish the victim for defending its sovereignty and vital national interest.”
Iravani warned that adoption could have justified “further use of force and unlawful actions.” He claimed it violated the UN Charter.
The original draft sought a clear mandate for states to use force to unblock the strait. Objections from France, Russia, and China forced multiple revisions and delays.
The final version removed explicit authorisation for the use of force. It instead encouraged states to coordinate defensive efforts to ensure navigation safety.
It also demanded Iran “immediately cease all attacks against merchant and commercial vessels.” The text called for an end to attacks on civilian water and energy infrastructure.
Russian ambassador Vassili Nebenzia criticised the draft’s “unbalanced, inaccurate and confrontational elements.” He announced Russia and China would propose an alternative resolution.
UN mandates authorising member states to use force are historically rare. Precedents include the 1990 Gulf War and the 2011 NATO intervention in Libya.