U.N. Security Council members Russia and China vetoed a resolution on Tuesday designed to secure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The vote tallied 11 in favor, two against, and two abstentions, occurring hours before a deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump for Iran to restore access to the vital waterway or risk strikes on its power plants and bridges.
Strategic Importance of the Strait
The Strait of Hormuz handles one-fifth of global oil shipments. Iran’s control during the ongoing conflict, now in its fifth week, drives up energy prices worldwide. Gulf nations view the blockade as an existential threat to their security and economies.
Evolution of the Resolution
Bahrain initially proposed measures allowing “all necessary means,” including potential military action, to protect navigation. Facing opposition from veto powers Russia, China, and France, drafters removed offensive language, shifting to “all defensive means necessary.”
A further revision eliminated Security Council authorization and focused solely on the strait, excluding adjacent waters. The final text “strongly encourages states” to coordinate defensive efforts, such as escorting merchant vessels and deterring interference with international navigation.
The resolution also demands that Iran cease attacks on commercial ships, end navigation impediments, and halt strikes on civilian infrastructure.
Conflict Background
Iran’s actions follow U.S. and Israeli strikes starting February 28. Tehran has targeted hotels, airports, residential areas, and other civilian sites in over 10 countries, including Gulf oil exporters. Bahrain, host to the U.S. Fifth Fleet and current Security Council president, leads calls for U.N. intervention.
On March 11, the Council passed a Bahrain-sponsored measure condemning Iran’s “egregious attacks,” with 13 votes in favor, Russia and China abstaining. It labeled Hormuz disruptions a threat to global peace and urged an immediate halt to blockades.
Trump’s Warnings and International Responses
President Trump reiterated demands for Iran to reopen the strait, praising a U.S. military rescue of two crewmen from a downed fighter jet. He warned, “The entire country can be taken out in one night, and that might be tomorrow night.” On Tuesday, he added that a “whole civilization will die tonight” without compliance and a broader deal.
Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia and China’s Ambassador Fu Cong blame U.S. and Israeli actions for igniting the war and escalating the crisis. They urge an immediate ceasefire as the top priority.
