TEHRAN - Russia and China vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution on Tuesday that sought to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, hours before a US-imposed deadline for Iran to allow transit or face attacks on its infrastructure. The heavily watered-down measure, which passed with 11 votes in favor, two against, and two abstentions, had removed any language authorizing offensive action, limiting it to “defensive means necessary” for securing navigation. Even in its weakened form, the resolution was blocked by Moscow and Beijing, underscoring growing opposition to US and Israeli aggression against Iran.

Iran has repeatedly emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz remains under its sovereign control. Tehran allows commercial vessels from friendly or non-hostile countries to transit under approval, while excluding those it deems hostile or aligned with US-Israeli interests.

President Donald Trump had set an 8 p.m. Eastern deadline for Iran to comply, threatening attacks on power plants and bridges. Iran has vowed a harsh and decisive response to any such strikes, stressing that targeting civilian infrastructure would be an act of blatant aggression. Tehran insists that any navigation through the Strait must respect Iran’s sovereignty and security, reaffirming its determination to defend the nation and its strategic waterways.