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Russia and China exercised their veto power during a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution on Tuesday, 7 April, regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz
The draft resolution, prepared by Bahrain and supported by the US, sought to grant Gulf nations the "green light" to use force to protect the vital shipping lane.
Despite receiving 11 votes in favour, the resolution was blocked by Russia and China, the two permanent members, while two other nations abstained.
The Strait of Hormuz, which typically carries one-fifth of the world's oil supply, has been under an effective blockade by Iran since the US and Israel launched a war on 28 February.
Bahrain's Foreign Minister, Abdullatif Rashid Al Zayani, expressed "regret" over the outcome, stating that the failure to pass the resolution "sends the wrong signal to the world".
The vote took place just hours before an ultimatum from US President Donald Trump to Tehran, demanding that the strait be opened immediately.
A demonstrator, wearing a mask depicting US President Donald Trump, participates in a protest against US military action in Iran near the White House in Washington, DC.
Image via Brendan Smialowski/AFPReactions from the US and Iran
US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz maintained that the veto does not prevent the US from acting in self-defence or defending its allies and partners.
In contrast, Iran's Ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, argued that the resolution was designed to "punish the victim" for defending its sovereignty.
He warned that accepting the draft could have led to "dangerously broad interpretations" justifying the illegal use of force in violation of the UN Charter.
What the resolution aimed to achieve
The failed proposal included several key provisions intended to stabilise the region:
- Coordinated Defence: Nations would be encouraged to synchronise defensive efforts, including the use of naval escorts for merchant and commercial vessels.
- Cessation of Hostilities: A formal demand for Iran to immediately cease all attacks on commercial shipping and stop obstructing freedom of navigation.
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has failed to adopt a resolution aiming to boost security in the Strait of Hormuz on 7 April.
Image via Selcuk Acar/Anadolu/AFPAn alternative proposal
Following their veto, Russia and China announced they would propose an alternative draft resolution.
Their version reportedly calls for all parties to cease attacks specifically targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, rather than granting the use of force to reopen the waterway.
Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations.
Image via Selcuk Acar/Anadolu/AFP