China and Russia vetoed a draft resolution at the UN Security Council that called for coordinated defensive efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz, diplomats said.
The Gulf-backed draft received 11 votes in favor, while Pakistan and Colombia abstained, according to BBC report.
The resolution underwent weeks of negotiations and was significantly softened. Initially proposed under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which authorizes the use of force, it was later revised to remove that provision and instead “strongly encourage” defensive measures by states.
Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, who chaired the meeting, said the draft aimed to address what he described as repeated hostile actions by Iran in the strategic waterway. He warned that failure to act could have serious global consequences and risk similar disruptions in other key maritime routes.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global oil transit chokepoint, and tensions in the region have intensified amid ongoing geopolitical disputes.