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United Nations: In a major setback on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, China and Russia on Tuesday blocked the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution to reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway was closed by Iran amid its ongoing conflicts with the US and Israel. The closure has resulted in a major crisis across the globe as it is from here that one-fifth of the global oil passes through.

11 nations voted in favour of resolution

The 15-nation UNSC voted on the resolution, which was proposed by Bahrain. While 11 voted in favour of the resolution, two were against, and two countries remained absent. The resolution could not be passed as both China and Russia, which are permanent UN members, voted against the resolution.

Taking to X before the vote, the UAE Mission to the UN wrote on X, “Skyrocketing food prices and fuel costs. Blocked raw materials and essential supplies. Billions of people around the world are paying more for basic commodities due to Iran’s illegal actions. Now is the time for international action to protect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.”

The UAE had urged the UNSC to adopt the “Open the Strait” resolution and end Iran’s attacks and threats to the global economy. Bahrain proposed the Security Council resolution on the Strait of Hormuz. It is the president of the Council for April.

Russia, China and France opposed the move

According to news agency PTI, the initial version of the draft had language which would have allowed countries “to use all necessary means” in the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf, and the Gulf of Oman to ensure passage. However, Russia, China, and France opposed approval for the use of force to reopen the waterway. The Council was scheduled to vote on Friday, but the vote could not be held as the UN headquarters was closed due to Good Friday. The vote was scheduled for Saturday, but was postponed again.