New York, April 7 -- Russia and China vetoed a Bahrain-backed UN resolution aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. A resolution that was already diluted to secure their abstentions.

The 15-member council saw 11 votes in favour, two against (China and Russia), and Pakistan and Colombia abstained from voting.

The resolution demanded Iran immediately cease all attacks against merchant and commercial vessels and any attempt to impede transit passage or freedom of navigation in the Strait and further calls for the cessation of attacks against civilian infrastructure, including water infrastructure and desalination plants, as well as oil and gas installations.

The draft text was proposed by Bahrain in close coordination with fellow Gulf Co...