The global board is frozen in the Security Council
Russia and China have just paralyzed a crucial move at the UN. This Tuesday, both countries vetoed a resolution to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The vote was 11 in favor, 2 against, with Pakistan and Colombia abstaining.
The decision comes wrapped in a climate of maximum tension. Hours earlier, US President Donald Trump had issued a chilling threat: “an entire civilization will die tonight” if Iran did not open the sea route. He then backed down, offering a two-week truce in exchange for a ceasefire.
“The text unjustifiably and misleadingly portrays Iran’s lawful actions,” said Iranian Ambassador Amir-Saeid Iravani, thanking his allies for the veto.
A pulse with history
For Moscow and Beijing, this was no ordinary vote. Both cited Trump’s threat as evidence that the resolution would give the US and Israel “carte blanche for continued aggression.” Russian envoy Vassily Nebenzia was clear: the text ignored that “the United States and Israel started the war.”
The response was immediate. A rival resolution, seen by The Associated Press, circulated that condemned attacks on civilians and called for a cessation of military activities. Nebenzia assured that she was ready to vote.
Meanwhile, Bahrain, drafter of the original draft and Arab president of the Council this month, lashed out at the inaction. His Foreign Minister, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, warned that not acting allows him to be “taken hostage by Iranian economic blackmail.”
“They sided with a regime that seeks to intimidate the (Persian) Gulf into submission,” declared Mike Waltz, US ambassador to the UN.
A diluted resolution… until it disappears
Here is the detail that many analyzes overlook: this resolution already came to the vote weakened. The initial Persian Gulf proposal authorized the use of “all necessary means,” a UN euphemism that includes military action.
Following objections from Russia, China and France – all with veto power – it was revised to remove any reference to offensive actions. It would only authorize “necessary defensive means.” It was then weakened further: all mention of a Council authorization (an order to act) was removed and its scope was limited to the strait only, excluding adjacent waters.
What they ultimately vetoed was a text that only “strongly encouraged” countries to coordinate efforts to ensure shipping security. An empty shell.
The real context: six weeks of war
This veto occurs while a real conflict has been going on for six weeks. In response to Israeli-US attacks that began on February 28, Iran has struck civilian infrastructure in more than 10 countries, including key oil-exporting neighbors.
Its control over Hormuz – through which a fifth of the world’s oil passes– has sent global energy prices skyrocketing. For the Gulf nations it is an existential threat.
On March 11, the Council had already adopted a resolution sponsored by Bahrain condemning Iranian “atrocious attacks.” It was approved by 13 votes in favor, none against, with the abstentions of Russia and China.
The pattern repeats. And while vetoes are crossed in New York, families from Tel Aviv to Tehran live under the constant shadow of conflict.
