The UN Security Council has failed to back a Bahraini resolution aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, after China and Russia used their vetoes on Tuesday (7 April). The draft resolution called for coordinated "defensive measures" to ensure freedom of navigation in the strait.
The resolution received 11 votes in favour. Colombia and Pakistan abstained.
Speaking after the vote, Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani expressed his "regret" to the Council for failing to adopt the draft resolution.
"The Council failed to shoulder its responsibility in relation to an illegal conduct that requires decisive action with no delay," he said.
Diplomats previously said the draft resolution had faced resistance from China, Russia and others, and had been toned down from its original form.
Oil prices have surged since the U.S. and Israel struck Iran in late February, triggering a conflict that has lasted more than a month and largely disrupted traffic through the vital shipping route.
Bahrain, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the council, finalised a draft on Thursday (2 April) authorising “all defensive means necessary” to protect commercial shipping.
Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani had told the council a vote would take place on Friday, “God willing,” adding that Bahrain hoped for a “unified position from this esteemed council," but the vote was postponed.
Backed by Gulf Arab states and the United States, Bahrain had earlier removed an explicit reference to binding enforcement in an effort to overcome objections, particularly from China and Russia.
China has continuously opposed any authorisation of force to reopen the strait. Speaking on Thursday, China’s U.N. envoy Fu Cong said such a move would “legitimise the unlawful and indiscriminate use of force, which would inevitably lead to further escalation of the situation and serious consequences.”
A resolution requires at least nine votes in favour and no vetoes from the five permanent members: Britain, China, France, Russia and the U.S
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U.S. President Donald Trump says China's Xi Jinping agreed Iran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran prepares a new shipping mechanism. Tensions over the U.S. blockade and stalled nuclear talks continue to disrupt global oil supplies.
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