Tensions at Persian Gulf: China and Russia Block UN Resolution
China and Russia have blocked a UN resolution on protecting commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, while the Security Council voted 11 to 4 in favor of the text. The veto decision escalates the situation ahead of Trump's Iran ultimatum to reopen the strategic waterway. European markets reacted nervously: stock indices fell while oil prices rose above 110 dollars per barrel, as neither the United States nor Tehran are sending signals of resolution.