New York, USA — On Tuesday, the UN Security Council failed to pass a draft resolution calling for coordinated “defensive” measures to protect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, following vetoes by Russia and China.
The resolution, drafted by Bahrain, received 11 votes in favor, while Colombia and Pakistan abstained. As permanent members of the Council, Russia and China exercised their vetoes, effectively blocking the measure.
Content of the Draft Resolution
The draft resolution sought to:
- Encourage states to coordinate defensive efforts to ensure the safety and security of navigation in the Strait.
- Promote the escort of merchant and commercial vessels and deter attempts to close, obstruct, or interfere with international navigation.
- Ensure all operations are in full compliance with international humanitarian law.
- Maintain due regard for the rights and freedoms of navigation for third-party states, enabling unhampered passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, speaking after the vote, expressed regret at the Security Council’s inability to act.
“The Council failed to shoulder its responsibility in relation to an illegal conduct that requires decisive action with no delay,” he said.
Bahrain currently holds the rotating presidency of the Security Council, and the vetoes signal growing divisions among permanent members over how to address the ongoing tensions in the region.
The vote comes amid escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf following US and Israeli military operations against Iran, retaliatory Iranian drone and missile strikes, and threats to restrict navigation through the Strait of Hormuz—a route critical for global oil shipments.
The failure to adopt the resolution leaves the protection of international shipping in the Strait uncertain, heightening risks to energy markets and global trade.
