Full Breakdown
France and the United States Draft UN Security Council Resolution to Keep the Strait of Hormuz Open
By Drooid · · How we work
Drafting the Resolution
On September 22, French diplomats announced that France, working with the United States, had begun drafting a United Nations Security Council resolution to establish an international mission aimed at restoring commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. The effort follows a meeting between French President Emmanuel Macron and U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Macron said “several options were discussed” and that diplomatic work over the next hours could enable more container ships and oil tankers to transit the waterway even without a comprehensive agreement.
Background and Context
Previous attempts by France to secure a similar resolution failed because permanent Security Council members China and Russia vetoed proposals they feared would be biased against Iran. Rising global oil prices and fears that Houthi rebels in Yemen could threaten the adjacent Bab el-Mandeb corridor have revived interest in a compromise solution.
Official Statements & Responses
The draft is described as focusing on separating the waterway’s security from broader Iran-related tensions, underscoring the shared interest of all nations in preserving freedom of navigation and access to energy supplies. It would coordinate efforts to safeguard commercial shipping without adopting an offensive posture toward Iran, criticizing the United States, or linking the issue to other regional disputes.
Prospects and Challenges
France indicated it hopes to circulate the draft to the Security Council soon, though no specific timeframe was provided. The resolution must still obtain the backing of veto-holding members, a hurdle that has blocked earlier initiatives.
Additional Claims
- Alleged incident: According to Fox News, Iran attacked a U.S.-leased vessel near the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in casualties.
- Reimbursement proposal: President Trump has asserted that countries should reimburse the United States for the costs of oil transported through the strait.
The success of the draft will depend on whether a compromise can be reached that satisfies the security concerns of the major powers while avoiding the political pitfalls that have stalled prior attempts.