UNSC Veto Blocks Hormuz Opening Vote as Russia and China Reject Resolution The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) faced a critical moment on April 7, 2026, as a resolution aimed at urging Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz was blocked by Russia and China, who exercised their veto power. The vote, held just hours before U.S. President Donald Trump’s deadline for Iran to unblock the strategic waterway, marked the end of a final attempt to de-escalate tensions. The resolution, proposed by Bahrain and supported by 11 council members, sought to encourage nations to ensure safe navigation through the strait, but its rejection left the region in limbo. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global energy trade, has been a flashpoint since February 28, when U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets in multiple countries, including Gulf neighbors, triggered retaliatory attacks by Iran. The conflict has disrupted oil shipments, driving energy prices to record highs. Trump, who has threatened to target Iran’s infrastructure if it does not comply with demands, set a deadline for Iran to reopen the strait by 8 p.m. U.S. time, adding urgency to the UNSC vote. Bahrain’s resolution, which initially called for “all necessary measures” to secure the strait, including military action, was revised to exclude aggressive measures. The final version emphasized “defensive actions” and cooperation among nations to ensure safe passage. However, Russia and China, both permanent UNSC members with veto rights, rejected the proposal, citing concerns over the use of force. Their opposition effectively stalled the resolution, leaving no binding mechanism to compel Iran to unblock the strait. The vote highlighted the deep divisions within the UNSC. While 11 members supported the resolution, Colombia and Pakistan abstained.#iran #china #strait_of_hormuz #russia #united_nations_security_council
Iran-Israel War Escalates: Israel Launches Strikes on Beirut and Tehran Amid Hezbollah and IRGC Attacks Israel announced a series of “wide-scale” strikes on Tehran and Hezbollah targets in Beirut following an Iranian missile attack on the country. The Israeli military confirmed that Iranian missiles were heading toward Israel, prompting air defenses to activate as explosions were reported in Jerusalem. Authorities urged civilians in affected areas to seek shelter. The strikes came after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and Hezbollah launched attacks on Israeli territory, intensifying the ongoing conflict. The United Nations Security Council passed a resolution on March 11, 2026, demanding Iran immediately cease attacks on Gulf states, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan. The resolution, approved by 13 votes with two abstentions, cited violations of international law and warned of a “serious threat to international peace and security.” The move followed escalating tensions as Iranian missile strikes and drone attacks disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit route. U.S. President Donald Trump claimed Iran was “pretty much at the end of the line,” asserting that U.S. forces had destroyed 58 Iranian naval vessels and that the country’s military infrastructure was nearing collapse. However, Trump’s statements were inconsistent, as he initially reported 28 mine-laying ships were sunk before revising the figure. He also warned that U.S. strikes could cripple Iran’s electricity supply, leaving the country with a “reconstruction that could take a generation.” Iran, meanwhile, warned of a prolonged war that could “destroy” the global economy, countering U.S. claims of imminent defeat. Iranian officials accused the U.S.#iran #israel #hezbollah #united_nations_security_council #irgc
Where are Iran’s allies? Why Moscow, Beijing are keeping their distance Russia and China, Iran’s two most influential diplomatic partners, have condemned the US-Israeli attack on Iran, which has killed over 1,000 people, as a violation of international law. President Vladimir Putin called the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei a “cynical violation of all norms of human morals,” while China’s Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi urged all sides to avoid further escalation. Despite their strong rhetoric, neither Russia nor China has indicated a willingness to provide military support to Iran. The two nations jointly requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, reflecting their close relationship with Iran. However, their responses have been limited to diplomatic condemnation rather than direct military intervention. Russia and China have signed bilateral agreements and expanded cooperation through joint naval drills, projecting a united front against what they describe as a US-led international order. Yet, their actions suggest a preference for diplomatic engagement over military involvement. Russia-Iran relations are defined by a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty signed in January 2025, covering trade, military cooperation, and other areas. The agreement includes joint military exercises in the Indian Ocean, most recently held in late February. However, the treaty does not include a mutual defense clause, meaning Russia is not obligated to intervene in conflicts involving Iran. Analysts note that Russia’s focus remains on managing its own conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine, and has previously avoided direct military support for other nations facing US actions, such as Venezuela. China’s relationship with Iran is similarly pragmatic.#iran #china #russia #united_nations_security_council #belts_and_roads_initiative
