Russia and China Veto UN Resolution to Reopen Strait of Hormuz

Diplomatic efforts to resolve the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz collapsed on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, after Russia and China used their veto power to block a United Nations Security Council resolution. The failure of the measure comes at a critical juncture, occurring just hours before a deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump for Iran to reopen the vital maritime chokepoint.

A Divided Security Council

The resolution, proposed by Bahrain with support from Jordan and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), sought to end Iran’s blockade of the strait. Despite receiving 11 votes in favor—including support from permanent members the United States, France, and the United Kingdom—the measure was killed by the vetoes of Russia, and China.

The voting breakdown included support from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Greece, Latvia, Liberia, Panama, and Somalia, while Colombia and Pakistan abstained. In the aftermath, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz accused Moscow and Beijing of supporting “a regime that seeks to intimidate the Gulf into submission.”

From ‘Apply of Force’ to ‘Defensive Efforts’

The resolution that ultimately failed was a “watered-down” version of an original proposal. Initially, Gulf countries sought a measure that would authorize the use of force to reopen the waterway. However, after Russia, China, and France expressed opposition to such language, the text was revised to eliminate all mentions of offensive force.

The final version of the text “strongly encourages” member states to coordinate efforts that are “defensive in nature, commensurate to the circumstances” to ensure the safety of navigation. Even with these concessions, Russia and China remained opposed, leading to the Tuesday veto.

Global Economic and Humanitarian Risks

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime arteries, with approximately 20% of global oil passing through the chokepoint. The ongoing blockade has already triggered significant economic instability.

The UAE Mission to the UN highlighted the severe consequences of the blockade, citing skyrocketing food and fuel costs, as well as the blockage of essential supplies and raw materials. The UAE urged the Security Council to adopt the “Open the Strait” resolution to protect the global economy from Iran’s “illegal actions.”

U.S. Ultimatum and Strikes in Tehran

The diplomatic deadlock in New York occurs against a backdrop of extreme volatility on the ground. President Donald Trump set a deadline for Iran to reopen the strait, threatening strikes on civilian infrastructure if the deadline passed without a deal. On Tuesday morning, Trump escalated his rhetoric, threatening to kill the country’s “whole civilization.”

Reports from Tehran indicate that the conflict has already escalated. On April 7, 2026, a strike destroyed half of the Khorasaniha Synagogue and damaged nearby residential buildings. Other reports noted activity around the Damavand power station on the outskirts of the city.

Future Outlook

With the UN Security Council unable to reach a consensus, the path toward a diplomatic resolution has narrowed. The international community now faces a period of high uncertainty as the U.S. Deadline expires and the economic pressure of the oil blockade continues to mount. Whether the conflict shifts toward a full-scale military engagement or a last-minute negotiated settlement remains the primary concern for global markets and regional stability.