Russia and China vetoed a UN Security Council resolution Tuesday on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a text already diluted from the green light Gulf states had sought to use force to protect the key shipping lane.
The draft resolution prepared by Bahrain and supported by the United States received 11 votes in favor, two against and two abstentions.
Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani said Gulf states “regret” the rejection of the measure.
Since the war began on February 28, Iran has attacked ships, ports and energy infrastructure across the Gulf, disrupting maritime trade and energy supplies while fuelling wider economic and supply chain instability in the region.
Iran said on Monday it wanted a lasting end to the war, and pushed back against pressure to reopen the strait.
US President Donald Trump warned the country could be “taken out” if it did not meet his Tuesday night deadline to reach a deal.
