Russia and China on Tuesday vetoed a resolution at the United Nations Security Council that aimed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, despite multiple revisions intended to secure their support or abstention, reports AP from United Nations.
The measure failed with an 11–2 vote, while Pakistan and Colombia abstained. The vote came shortly after US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning that “an entire civilization” could be destroyed if Iran did not reopen the vital shipping route and agree to negotiations. However, less than two hours before his own deadline, Trump stepped back from the threat.
Instead, he proposed suspending military action for two weeks if Iran agreed to a temporary ceasefire and reopened the strait. Iran accepted the pause and said vessels could pass during this period under its military oversight. Trump also indicated that Iran had submitted a “workable” 10-point proposal to end the conflict.
Russia and China defended their veto, arguing that Trump’s earlier warning showed the resolution could be used to justify further US and Israeli military action. Russia’s UN ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, said the proposal would effectively grant “free rein” for continued aggression. China’s ambassador, Fu Cong, warned the text was open to misuse and could lead to serious consequences.
Both countries later introduced an alternative draft resolution calling for an immediate halt to military operations and condemning attacks on civilians and infrastructure.
Bahrain’s foreign minister, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, criticized the council’s failure to act, saying it allowed Iran to exert pressure on the global economy. He stressed that inaction sends the message that threats to international shipping can go unanswered and said Gulf nations would intensify diplomatic efforts to ensure safe navigation.
Meanwhile, Iran’s UN ambassador, Amir-Saeid Iravani, welcomed the veto. He argued that the resolution misrepresented Iran’s actions, describing them as legitimate self-defense under international law.
Evolution of the resolution
The resolution had been significantly weakened over time in an effort to avoid a veto. The original draft proposed by Gulf nations would have authorized the use of “all necessary means,” including military force, to guarantee safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
After objections from Russia, China, and France, references to offensive force were removed, limiting the language to defensive measures. Further revisions eliminated any formal authorization for action, instead encouraging countries to cooperate in protecting shipping lanes, including escorting commercial vessels. The final version also demanded that Iran stop interfering with navigation and cease attacks on civilian infrastructure.
Why Bahrain led the effort
Following US and Israeli strikes that began on Feb. 28, Iran launched attacks across more than ten countries, including Gulf states that are major energy exporters. These nations view Iran’s control over the strait, through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil passes, as a serious threat.
Bahrain, which hosts the US Fifth Fleet and currently holds the rotating presidency of the Security Council, pushed strongly for action. Earlier, on March 11, the council adopted another Bahrain-backed resolution condemning Iran’s attacks and calling for an end to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. That measure passed 13–0, with Russia and China abstaining.
