Russia and China Veto UN Resolution on Strait of Hormuz
On Tuesday, Russia and China blocked a U.N. Security Council resolution that aimed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This action came just hours before a deadline set by President Donald Trump for Iran to address threats to this crucial shipping route.
Trump announced that Iran had until 8 PM ET to restore access to the Strait or face military action against its power plants and bridges. The resolution garnered 11 votes in favor but met with 2 vetoes, with Pakistan and Colombia choosing to abstain.
U.S. Ambassador Mike Walz reacted strongly, stating, “No one should tolerate holding a gun to the global economy, and today Russia and China did so.” He criticized their support for a regime that he claims threatens Gulf nations while oppressing its own citizens during a national internet blackout.
Following the vote, Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani voiced concern, saying the failure to pass this resolution would send a troubling message. It suggests that threats to international waterways can occur without a significant reaction from international agencies tasked with maintaining global peace and security.
The resolution called for Iran to halt its attacks on merchant vessels and to respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Amendments made to the proposal aimed to dilute its language to persuade Russia and China to abstain instead of vetoing. Initially, the resolution would have granted states the authority to take “all necessary means,” which included military action, to ensure safe passage in the Strait.
After pushback from veto-holding countries, including Russia, China, and France, the wording changed significantly. The revised resolution only allowed for “necessary protective measures” and omitted references to offensive actions. Originally scheduled for a vote on Saturday, the resolution lost more assertive language and was limited to the Strait itself.
Iran’s Ambassador to the U.N., Amir Saeed Irabani, criticized the outcome, claiming it would only encourage the U.S. and Israel to continue what he described as illegal actions without accountability.
In a last-minute statement, White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt emphasized that Iran had until 8 PM ET to agree to a resolution with the U.S., adding, “Only the president knows what the situation is and what he will do.”
