The United States has warned Iran that shutting down the Strait of Hormuz could mark the regime’s “final act,” after Russia and China vetoed a resolution at the United Nations Security Council.
The resolution, proposed by Bahrain, called on states to coordinate defensive efforts to ensure safe navigation through the vital waterway, including escorting commercial vessels and preventing any disruption to international shipping.
Speaking at the Security Council, U.S. envoy Mike Waltz drew a stark comparison:
“Forty-seven years ago, the regime’s first act was taking dozens of Americans hostage. Now it is taking the Strait of Hormuz hostage—and with it, attempting to hold the global economy hostage. This could be its final act. We will see.”
The draft resolution received 11 votes in favor, while Colombia and Pakistan abstained.
Waltz stressed that blocking the strait would severely impact humanitarian aid routes, saying that UN and international groups delivering medical supplies, shelter, and food to crises in Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, and Gaza Strip would be unable to pass.
He sharply criticized Moscow and Beijing, calling the veto “a new low,” and accused them of supporting Iran. According to Waltz, Russia has become a “key supplier” of military equipment to Iran, while China imports over 80% of Iran’s oil and provides components for drones and ballistic missiles.
“Most member states here rely on the Strait of Hormuz more than the United States,” he added, emphasizing that Washington remains open to diplomacy, even as U.S. forces continue operations under “Operation Epic Fury.”
