Russia and China vetoed a UN Security Council resolution on Tuesday to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping lane that has been blocked by Iran since February 28.
The draft resolution, prepared by Bahrain and supported by the United States, received 11 votes in favor, two against, and two abstentions.
The vote came hours before US President Donald Trump's ultimatum expires for Tehran to open the strait, which normally carries a fifth of the world's oil.
Iran's blockade has sent ripple effects throughout the global economy, and the Gulf states 'regret' the rejection of the measure.
US Ambassador Mike Waltz said the vote does not restrict the United States from continuing to act in its own self-defense and in the collective defense of its allies and partners.
Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani said the failure to pass the resolution 'sends the wrong signal to the world.'
The UN Security Council resolution 'strongly encourages states to coordinate efforts to ensure the safety and security of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,' but does not explicitly authorize the use of force.
