On April 8, 2023, China and Russia exercised their veto power against a UN Security Council resolution proposed by Bahrain, aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The resolution, which received 11 votes in favor, called for Iran to immediately cease attacks on merchant vessels and civilian infrastructure. The proposal was supported by Bahrain and several Gulf Cooperation Council members, including Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Following the veto, Bahrain's Foreign Minister, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, expressed regret, stating that the failure to adopt the resolution sends a negative signal regarding international responses to threats in vital waterways. Russia's Ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, criticized the resolution for not addressing perceived illegal attacks by the US and Israel on Iran, while China's Ambassador, Fu Cong, argued that it lacked a comprehensive view of the conflict. The US condemned the vetoes, asserting that they undermine regional stability and support a regime that intimidates Gulf nations. This geopolitical tension escalated following provocative statements from former US President Donald Trump regarding potential military actions against Iran, further complicating the situation in the region.