Russia and China vetoed a UN Security Council resolution Tuesday aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The vote followed a US deadline for Iran to open the strategic waterway or face attacks on its infrastructure.
One-fifth of global oil passes through the strait, and Iran's actions have sent energy prices soaring. The resolution had been significantly weakened in an attempt to secure passage, removing authorization for military action and focusing solely on defensive measures and encouraging states to coordinate efforts to ensure safe navigation.
Russia and China's UN Ambassadors blamed the US and Israel for starting the war and sparking the crisis, urging an immediate end to military operations.