China and Russia vetoed a UN Security Council resolution aimed at strengthening the protection of commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, despite a version of the text that had already been significantly watered down.
The proposal, submitted by Bahrain, nevertheless received the support of 11 of the 15 members of the Security Council, against two dissenting votes—those of Beijing and Moscow—and two abstentions. This rejection illustrates the persistent divisions among major powers regarding the management of the conflict in the Middle East.
The resolution called on States to coordinate their efforts, including through defensive measures such as escorting merchant ships, in order to secure this strategic route through which a major part of global energy trade passes.
The vetoes come amid high tensions, as the American president Donald Trump has recently intensified its threats against Iran, demanding the reopening of the strait under threat of severe consequences.
Since the US and Israeli strikes against Iran in late February, the Strait of Hormuz has been largely paralyzed, leading to soaring oil prices and fueling fears of a global economic shock. The failure to reach a resolution underscores the current diplomatic impasse in the face of a crisis with global repercussions.
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