Russia and China veto UN resolution to reopen Strait of Hormuz

The resolution, proposed by Bahrain, would have allowed affected countries to “coordinate efforts, defensive in nature,” to ensure the safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

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Eleven of the 15 members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) voted in favour of the draft text, and two – Pakistan and Colombia – abstained. However, Russia and China said the resolution was biased against Iran, the Associated Press (AP) reported.

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of global seaborne oil passes, has been effectively halted after Iran began targeting commercial vessels in response to US-Israeli strikes on Tehran launched on 28 February.

The de-facto closure of the Strait has sent oil prices soaring, with market participants fearing a global supply crunch. The proposal, vetoed yesterday, would have authorised countries to use “all necessary means” – including military defensive actions — to ensure transit through the waterway.

The resolution also required Iran to immediately stop targeting merchant vessels transiting through the Hormuz Strait and attacking civilian infrastructure. Russia and China objected to the resolution, stating that it will give the US and Israel “carte blanche for continued aggression,” the AP reported.

The UK has strongly condemned the veto, warning it would allow Iran to impede transit passage through the region – a fundamental navigational right under international law.

“Russia and China chose to shield their ally, Iran, rather than join international efforts to open the Strait and avert risks to the global economy,” the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said in a statement.

By Aparupa Mazumder

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