France advises Bahrain on UN resolution to secure Strait of Hormuz

France is assisting Bahrain in drafting a United Nations Security Council resolution that would authorise the use of force to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restore global energy shipments, according to three diplomats familiar with the process, cited by Politico.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot met with his Bahraini counterpart and other Gulf officials to discuss the draft resolution and “maximize the likelihood of the text’s adoption and subsequent implementation.”

The proposed document, under discussion by France, the U.S., and regional countries in New York, seeks to support an operation to “restore international peace and security” under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter. It aims to secure safe passage through the strait, where shipping has been disrupted by Iranian drone and missile threats following U.S. and Israeli military actions.

Bahrain is leading the initiative to provide a legal framework for the international operation and is negotiating the formation of a coalition of countries to ensure oil tanker passage. The United Kingdom plans a virtual meeting with 35 states to coordinate the “coalition of the willing.”

Diplomats note that adoption of the resolution will require support from all five permanent members of the Security Council, including Russia.