Russia, China, and France Block Bahrain-Led UN Resolution on Strait Access

Russia and China vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution on April 7, 2026, that sought to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The resolution, sponsored by Bahrain, was designed to address restrictions on passage through the critical waterway and deter further attempts to close it.

The vote concluded with 11 members in favor and two abstentions. However, the resolution failed because Russia and China, both permanent members of the 15-member Security Council, exercised their veto power. The resolution had been repeatedly watered down in an effort to secure abstentions from the two countries, but those efforts were unsuccessful.

Impact on Global Trade and Energy

The diplomatic effort follows more than five weeks of war triggered by U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. This conflict has disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, and has contributed to rising oil prices.

Iran has restricted passage through the strait, leading to international concerns regarding global supply chains and energy markets. Bahrain, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the Security Council, emphasized that the security of the waterway is a matter of international responsibility due to its link to global economic stability.

Iran had no right to close the waterway or restrict international navigation, warning that any disruption would deprive countries of vital resources and threaten global markets.

Abdullatif Al Zayani, Bahrain Foreign Minister

Minister Al Zayani further noted that Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) states serve as a key source of global energy supplies, making the unrestricted flow of shipping through the strait essential.

Evolution of the Resolution

The final resolution voted upon on April 7 was a modified version of earlier drafts. The initial proposal was developed in close coordination with Jordan and members of the GCC. That original version included language explicitly citing Chapter VII of the UN Charter.

Chapter VII of the UN Charter provides the Security Council with the authority to impose a range of measures to maintain international peace and security, including the imposition of sanctions or the authorization of military action. The subsequent “watered-down” version was an attempt to bridge deep divisions among the council members to avoid a veto.

Current Context in Iran

The diplomatic failure at the UN occurs amid ongoing volatility within Iran. On April 7, 2026, reports indicated continued instability in Tehran, including the destruction of nearby residential buildings and half of the Khorasaniha Synagogue following a strike.

The situation remains tense as the international community struggles to find a diplomatic mechanism to ensure the openness of the Strait of Hormuz while the broader conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran continues.