Russia, China block UN resolution calling for reopening of Strait of Hormuz

Russia and China on Tuesday blocked a UN Security Council resolution addressing the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Bahrain-sponsored resolution received 11 votes in favour, two abstentions and two - Russia and China - against. Both China and Russia hold veto power on the council.

The vote comes after more than five weeks of war, sparked by US-Israeli strikes on Iran, that have raised oil prices and disrupted traffic through one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.

Iran has restricted passage through the strait, raising concerns over global supply chains and energy markets.

Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani told the Security Council ahead of the vote that Gulf Cooperation Council states are a key source of global energy supplies, making the security of the Strait of Hormuz a matter of international responsibility tied to global economic stability.

He said Iran had “no right” to close the waterway or restrict international navigation, warning that any disruption would deprive countries of vital resources and threaten global markets.

US ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz told the Council that Iran "tyrannical regime" has persisted for decades in "escalating its attacks against the American people... allies in the region, and the world's commercial fleets" in violation of international law and multiple Security Council resolutions.