Russia and China vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution on Tuesday aimed at protecting commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, despite repeated attempts to weaken the proposal to secure their support. The vote was 11 in favor, two against, and two abstentions.

The resolution, originally sponsored by Bahrain, had been significantly revised from its initial draft to try to avoid a veto. The original proposal would have authorized countries to use "all necessary means" - UN language that includes military action - to ensure transit through the strait. After opposition from Russia, China, and France, the resolution was revised to authorize only "all defensive means necessary."

The final version that was voted on encouraged states to coordinate defensive efforts to ensure navigation safety in the Strait of Hormuz, including escorting merchant vessels and deterring attempts to close or obstruct the waterway. The resolution also demanded that Iran immediately halt attacks on commercial vessels and stop impeding freedom of navigation through the strait.

Approximately one-fifth of the world's oil typically passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's actions in the waterway have been described as creating an existential threat to Gulf nations and have contributed to rising energy prices. The blockade is occurring amid a broader conflict that has entered its fifth week.

The vote took place hours before an 8 p.m. Eastern deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump for Iran to reopen the strategic waterway. Trump has warned of potential attacks on Iranian power plants and bridges if the deadline is not met, stating that the "entire country can be taken out in one night."

Russian and Chinese UN ambassadors have blamed the United States and Israel for the current crisis and have called for an immediate end to military operations. The Security Council previously adopted a resolution on March 11 condemning Iran's strikes against Gulf neighbors, which passed 13-0 with Russia and China abstaining.