MARITIME TRADE & SHIPPING
Russia, China Veto UN Resolution on Strait of Hormuz as Trump Deadline Looms
Russia, China Veto UN Resolution on Strait of Hormuz as Trump Deadline Looms
By Emetena Ikuku, Waterways News Correspondent
The United Nations Security Council on Tuesday failed to secure the Strait of Hormuz after Russia and China vetoed a resolution that sought to guarantee the safety and reopening of the critical waterway, deepening a maritime crisis that now directly threatens Nigeria’s crude oil export revenues and global energy supply chains.
The resolution, tabled by Bahrain, drew 11 votes in favour before being struck down by the two permanent members. Pakistan and Colombia chose to abstain.
The proposed measure had called for the protection of commercial shipping lanes through the strategically vital passage, urged coordinated defensive action by states dependent on the route, and demanded that Iran immediately halt attacks on merchant vessels and end its interference with freedom of navigation. Earlier drafts had reportedly contained language that could have authorised the use of force to secure the waterway, but those provisions were significantly diluted in a last-minute bid to prevent a veto — an effort that ultimately proved unsuccessful.
Reacting sharply to the outcome, U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz accused Moscow and Beijing of choosing Iran over the stability of global trade. “No one should tolerate holding the global economy at risk, but today Russia and China did,” he warned, adding that the council’s failure to act sends a dangerous signal about threats to international waterways. Bahrain’s Foreign Minister, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, echoed that sentiment, cautioning that the Security Council’s inaction weakens the broader multilateral framework for maritime security.
Iran’s Ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, pushed back, arguing that the resolution would have handed Washington and its allies legal cover for what he described as unlawful conduct in the region.
The vote came as Washington intensified pressure on Tehran over its conduct in the Gulf. President Donald Trump set a deadline of 8 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, warning of potential strikes against critical infrastructure — including power plants and bridges — if Iran did not comply with demands to reopen the strait. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declined to spell out the next steps, saying only the president knows what action follows as the clock runs down.
The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, remains one of the world’s most consequential maritime chokepoints. Analysts estimate that roughly 20 to 21 percent of global oil trade transits the waterway daily, making any sustained disruption a direct threat to energy markets worldwide — and to Nigeria, which competes for buyers in the same markets that depend on Gulf crude flows.
NIGERIA WATCH
What This Means for Nigeria
Russia and China on Tuesday vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution seeking to ensure the reopening and security of the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions just hours before a deadline issued by Donald Trump to Iran. The resolution, introduced by Bahrain, received 11 votes in favour but was rejected after the two permanent members exercised their veto power. Pakistan and Colombia abstained from the vote.
The proposed measure called for the protection of commercial shipping routes through the strategic waterway and urged coordinated defensive efforts by states reliant on the passage. It also demanded that Iran immediately halt attacks on merchant vessels and cease interference with freedom of navigation. Earlier drafts of the resolution reportedly included provisions that could have authorised the use of force to secure the waterway. However, the language was significantly watered down in an attempt to avoid a veto, ultimately limiting the scope to defensive measures.
Reacting to the development, U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz criticised Russia and China, accusing them of siding with Iran and undermining efforts to safeguard global trade routes. “No one should tolerate holding the global economy at risk, but today Russia and China did,” he said, warning that the failure to adopt the resolution sends a dangerous signal regarding threats to international waterways.
Bahrain’s Foreign Minister, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, also expressed disappointment, stating that inaction by the council weakens global efforts to maintain maritime security. Iran’s Ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, defended his country’s position, arguing that the resolution would have emboldened the United States and its allies to pursue what he described as unlawful actions.
The vote comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region, with Washington warning of possible military action if Iran fails to comply with its demands. President Trump has given Iran until 8 p.m. Eastern Time to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face potential strikes targeting critical infrastructure, including power plants and bridges. Speaking on the situation, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said only the president knows the next course of action as the deadline approaches.
For Nigeria, the stakes are considerable. A prolonged shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a spike in global oil prices that, paradoxically, may temporarily boost receipts for Nigeria’s crude exports — but would simultaneously raise the cost of petroleum product imports at a time when the Dangote Refinery is still ramping up to full domestic supply capacity. Freight rates on all routes passing through or influenced by Gulf shipping patterns would also climb, adding pressure to Nigeria’s import-dependent economy.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical transit routes, with disruptions posing significant risks to global energy supplies and economic stability.
Waterways News | Lagos