Middle East Conflict: Russia, China veto UN resolution on reopening Strait of Hormuz as tensions escalate

Russia and China on Tuesday (local time) vetoed a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution calling for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The draft had already been scaled back from an earlier proposal by Gulf states that sought authorization to use force to secure the vital shipping route, Bloomberg reported.

The draft resolution was put forward by Bahrain and backed by the US. It received 11 votes in favour, with two opposed and two abstentions. Bahrain's Foreign Minister, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, said Gulf states “regret” the rejection of the measure. The vote came after days of negotiations and pressure from several Gulf countries to restore free passage in the strait, which has been essentially shut since the US and Israel launched a war against Iran in late February.

The document would have encouraged nations to "coordinate efforts, defensive in nature, commensurate to the circumstances,” to ensure security of navigation through the strait.

This is a developing story. More details awaited.