China and Russia veto UN Security Council resolution on Strait of Hormuz maritime security
via The Reporter Ethiopia8 min read
China and Russia vetoed a UN Security Council draft resolution aimed at ensuring the secure use of the Strait of Hormuz for commercial maritime routes. The resolution, backed by Gulf States and tabled by Bahrain, was voted on April 7, 2026. Of the 15 Security Council members, 11 voted in favor, with Colombia and Pakistan abstaining. Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani stated the draft was not adopted due to a permanent member's negative vote. The resolution encouraged states to coordinate defensive efforts for navigation safety in the Strait of Hormuz, including escorting vessels. It also demanded Iran cease attacks on commercial vessels and civilian infrastructure. The proposal by Bahrain, in coordination with other Gulf Cooperation Council members, followed multiple negotiation rounds and regional escalation. Earlier drafts included invoking Chapter VII of the UN Charter and authorizing the use of force, which China and Russia opposed, arguing it could legitimize force without clear limits and failed to address the crisis's root causes. While explicit reference to Chapter VII was removed, the determination of Iran's actions as a threat to international peace and security remained. The current draft expresses the Council's readiness to consider further measures against those undermining navigation freedom in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab Strait.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Reporter Ethiopia.
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