April 7, 2026

On Tuesday a UN Security Council resolution on opening the Strait of Hormuz failed due to Russia and China vetoing it. It was drafted by Bahrain and authorized countries to use military force if necessary to open the strait for the free flow of shipping and commerce.

The resolution garnered 11 votes in favor, but permanent veto-wielding members China and Russia blocked it by registering no votes. This comes after days of pressure from Gulf countries to restore free passage in the strait, amid Trump’s Operation Epic Fury.

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi earlier in the week lamented, “Our countries are subjected to a sinful Iranian aggression, and GCC countries have a legitimate right to self-defense. The Security Council must take measures to ensure the protection of waterways, and we demand that the Security Council issue a resolution securing freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.”

 

A U.N. Security Council push to open the Strait of Hormuz with possible military force was slapped down Tuesday after Russia and China vetoed the Bahrain-drafted resolution, blocking the measure despite 11 votes in favor. The defeat leaves Gulf states pressing for action amid rising tensions and Trump’s Operation Epic Fury, while Moscow and Beijing warned the Chapter VII language could open the door to wider escalation against Iran.

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