The failure of the United Nations Security Council to adopt a resolution aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz marks more than a routine diplomatic impasse. It reflects a widening geopolitical fracture, one in which Russia and Iran are increasingly aligned in opposition to Western-led international order.
The United Kingdom’s explanation of vote, delivered on 7th April 2026, was unusually direct in attributing responsibility, stating that Russia and China had “chosen to shield their ally, Iran” rather than support collective action to stabilise a critical global shipping route.
This moment, though centred on maritime security, offers a revealing snapshot of a broader strategic convergence—what some policymakers have begun to describe, controversially but deliberately, as a renewed “axis of evil.” While the phrase carries historical baggage, its re-emergence speaks to a perception that two authoritarian systems, Moscow and Tehran, are not only cooperating tactically but are also jointly undermining international norms while enabling destabilising activities across multiple theatres, including Europe.
The UK’s Position: Responsibility and Consequences
The British statement leaves little ambiguity about where London places blame. Iran is accused of having “closed the Strait,” with immediate humanitarian and economic consequences. According to the UK, traffic through this vital waterway has collapsed dramatically—from roughly 150 vessels per day to just nine—raising fears of severe global supply disruptions.
More starkly, the World Food Programme’s estimate that 45 million additional people could be pushed into extreme hunger underscores the scale of the crisis. These are not abstract diplomatic disagreements; they are decisions with tangible global consequences.
Yet the UK’s frustration is directed as much at Moscow as at Tehran. By vetoing the resolution, Russia—alongside China—effectively neutralised the Security Council’s capacity to respond. The British framing is clear: this was not a procedural objection, but a political choice to prioritise alliance over stability.
Russia and Iran: From Tactical Alignment to Strategic Partnership
The relationship between Russia and Iran has evolved significantly over the past decade. What was once a pragmatic alignment, particularly visible in Syria, has matured into a broader strategic partnership encompassing military cooperation, energy coordination, and diplomatic support.
At the United Nations, this partnership manifests in repeated efforts to shield Iran from censure or coercive measures. The veto on the Hormuz resolution is only the latest example. Russia’s consistent argument—that such resolutions are “unbalanced” or fail to address “root causes”—mirrors Tehran’s own narrative and serves to dilute international pressure.
This alignment is not merely rhetorical. Russia benefits from Iran’s role as a disruptive actor in the Middle East, particularly when such disruption complicates Western strategic interests. Conversely, Iran gains diplomatic cover and access to military and technological cooperation that might otherwise be restricted under international sanctions regimes.
An “Axis of Evil”?
The phrase “axis of evil,” first popularised in the early 2000s, has resurfaced in some political and media discourse to describe the growing alignment between authoritarian regimes that challenge Western influence. While the term is contentious, it captures a perception that Russia and Iran are not isolated actors but components of a broader network of states willing to use coercion, proxy warfare, and disinformation to advance their interests.
Iran has long been accused by Western governments of sponsoring militant groups across the Middle East and beyond. These activities, critics argue, extend into Europe through networks involved in surveillance, intimidation, and, in some cases, plots against dissidents and political figures. Similarly, Russia’s actions in Europe—ranging from cyber operations to alleged involvement in assassinations—have reinforced its image as a state willing to operate outside established norms.
When viewed together, these patterns contribute to the argument that Moscow and Tehran represent not just regional challenges but systemic ones. Their cooperation amplifies their individual capabilities, creating a multiplier effect that complicates Western responses.
The Strategic Importance of the Strait of Hormuz
The immediate trigger for the Security Council vote—the closure of the Strait of Hormuz—highlights the strategic leverage that Iran can exert. This narrow waterway is one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, and any disruption has immediate global repercussions.
The UK’s statement emphasises that the closure is a deliberate act by Iran, rejecting claims that international efforts to reopen the strait would “complicate the situation.” Instead, London frames Iran’s actions as the root cause of the crisis, a position echoed by several Western allies.
Russia’s decision to veto the resolution, therefore, is seen not simply as a diplomatic disagreement but as tacit support for Iran’s use of economic coercion. By preventing a unified international response, Moscow effectively enables Tehran to maintain pressure on global markets and regional adversaries.
Implications for Europe
For European states, the implications are multifaceted. Energy security remains a central concern, particularly in the context of ongoing efforts to diversify away from Russian supplies. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz risk exacerbating existing vulnerabilities, driving up prices and increasing dependence on alternative, often unstable, sources.
Beyond economics, there is a growing security dimension. Both Iran and Russia have been linked to activities within Europe that challenge domestic stability. These include cyber operations, disinformation campaigns, and alleged support for extremist networks. While the extent and coordination of these activities remain subjects of debate, the perception of a shared threat is increasingly shaping European policy.
The UK’s emphasis on collective self-defence and support for Gulf allies reflects a broader recognition that European security cannot be separated from developments in the Middle East. The interconnected nature of global trade and security means that instability in one region quickly reverberates in another.
Diplomatic Paralysis and the Limits of the UN
The failure of the resolution also raises questions about the effectiveness of the United Nations Security Council in addressing contemporary crises. The veto power of permanent members, designed to ensure consensus among major powers, has increasingly become a tool for blocking action.
In this case, the Council’s inability to respond decisively to a clear disruption of international shipping underscores its limitations. While diplomatic efforts continue outside the UN framework, the absence of a unified response weakens the legitimacy of international norms and emboldens actors willing to challenge them.
For the UK and its allies, this creates a dilemma. On one hand, there is a commitment to multilateralism and international law. On the other, there is a growing recognition that alternative mechanisms may be necessary when the Security Council is paralysed.
A More Dangerous Alignment
The events surrounding the failed resolution illustrate a shifting geopolitical landscape in which alliances are hardening and the space for consensus is narrowing. The partnership between Russia and Iran, once limited and situational, now appears more entrenched and consequential.
Whether or not one accepts the label of an “axis of evil,” the underlying reality is clear: these two states are increasingly aligned in ways that challenge Western interests and international stability. Their cooperation at the United Nations is both a symptom and a driver of this broader trend.
For Europe and its allies, the task ahead is to navigate this evolving landscape with a combination of deterrence, diplomacy, and resilience. The stakes are high, not only for regional stability but for the integrity of the international system itself.
Main Image: By Wikiweeki – Own work, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=142048123
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