Russia and China vetoed a UN Security Council resolution to unblock the Strait of Hormuz
Russia and China, which are permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, used their veto power and blocked a resolution to unblock the Strait of Hormuz, initiated by Bahrain. This became known from the broadcast of the UN Security Council meeting.
As reported by Reuters, the draft UN Security Council resolution “urged states interested in using commercial maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz to coordinate defensive efforts, as appropriate, to help ensure the safety and security of shipping through the Strait.”
The text of the document indicated that such measures could include escorting merchant and commercial vessels, as well as supporting actions aimed at to prevent attempts to close, block, or otherwise impede international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
At the same time, the document did not mention authorizing the use of force against Iran, even within the framework of defensive actions, although such a provision was contained in the initial version of the draft. According to Reuters, the text of the resolution was softened, hoping that China and Russia would not use the veto.
The resolution was approved by 11 permanent and non-permanent members of the UN Security Council, with China and Russia opposing, and Pakistan and Colombia abstaining.
The vote came hours before a deadline set by Donald Trump for Iran to reach an agreement or face having its power plants and bridges destroyed by the US military. The UN Security Council consists of 15 states: five permanent members – the United States, the United Kingdom, France, China and Russia – and ten non-permanent members, who are elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms.
As of April 2026, the non-permanent members include Bahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Greece, Latvia, Liberia, Pakistan, Panama and Somalia. Only permanent members can exercise the right of veto over any Security Council resolution. Bahrain holds the presidency of the UN Security Council until June.
