WASHINGTON: Russia and China on Tuesday vetoed a draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Pakistan abstained.
The draft resolution prepared by Bahrain, which underwent six revisions during negotiations to bridge differences among council members, received 11 votes in favour, two against and two abstentions.
Bahrain, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, France, Greece, Latvia, Liberia, Panama, Somalia, the United Kingdom and the United States voted in favour of the resolution.
Russia and China voted against the measure, exercising their veto power as permanent members of the 15-nation UNSC, thereby blocking its adoption despite majority support.
Pakistan and Colombia were the two countries that abstained from voting.
Drafted by Bahrain in coordination with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and Jordan, the resolution strongly urged nations using the commercial route to coordinate defensive measures — including escorting merchant vessels — to guarantee safe navigation. It also demanded that Iran immediately cease attacks on commercial ships and civilian infrastructure, including oil, gas and water facilities.
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic maritime chokepoint through which a substantial portion of global oil shipments pass. Iran has effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz following the US-Israel war on the Islamic republic.
Earlier versions of the draft resolution reportedly invoked Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which could have authorised the use of force. Objections from Moscow, Beijing, and several non-permanent members led to its removal.
Despite those revisions, Moscow and Beijing on Tuesday maintained their opposition, arguing that the draft failed to adequately reflect underlying regional dynamics.
The final text emphasised defensive coordination “commensurate with the circumstances,” respect for international law, and included a reporting requirement asking the UN secretary general to brief the UNSC within seven days and every 30 days thereafter on attacks and provocations affecting commercial shipping.
