France is preparing a draft resolution for the United Nations Security Council aimed at supporting freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a UN diplomat familiar with the discussions. The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity because negotiations over the proposed measure remain private.
The proposed resolution would reaffirm the need to respect freedom of navigation through the strategic waterway and call for adherence to international maritime law. It would also support peaceful measures designed to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels.
The Strait of Hormuz has become a major flashpoint amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran. The waterway is one of the world's most important maritime routes for energy and commercial shipping, making its security a major concern for global food and energy supplies.
Macron and Trump discussed the issue
The initiative follows discussions between French President Emmanuel Macron and U.S. President Donald Trump during the UN General Assembly in New York.
The Élysée Palace said Macron and Trump discussed the Middle East conflict and possible diplomatic measures to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and increase the flow of container ships and tankers. Macron also said France was working with partners on ways to restore navigation while avoiding further escalation.
In his address to the UN General Assembly, Macron said reopening the Strait of Hormuz was a priority for France and stressed the importance of international law and safe passage for commercial vessels.
Focus on maritime law
The proposed French resolution is expected to emphasize respect for the law of the sea and freedom of navigation rather than directly expanding the dispute into a wider confrontation.
France has previously worked with international partners on a maritime initiative focused on restoring freedom and security of navigation in the Strait. In April, France and its partners called for the reopening of the waterway, restoration of conditions for free passage and full respect for international maritime law.
France has also indicated that any future multinational maritime role would be defensive and aimed at protecting commercial shipping rather than participating directly in combat operations.
Strait remains critical to global energy markets
The latest diplomatic initiative comes as disruption in the Strait of Hormuz continues to affect international shipping and energy markets.
The waterway connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea and is a critical route for oil and other energy shipments. Any prolonged disruption has implications beyond the region, including for fuel prices, shipping costs and global supply chains.
Reuters previously reported that France and the United States were working on a UN initiative concerning freedom of navigation in the Strait, with diplomats seeking broader international support while attempting to avoid language that could deepen divisions within the Security Council.
Diplomatic efforts continue
The French initiative comes as diplomatic efforts continue to address the wider Iran conflict and restore commercial navigation.
The exact wording of the proposed Security Council resolution has not yet been publicly released, and it remains unclear when France will formally circulate the draft among council members. Any resolution would face negotiations among the Security Council's permanent and elected members before a vote could take place.
For France, the immediate objective is to restore safe maritime passage while emphasizing international law and avoiding further escalation in an already volatile regional environment.
