France circulates draft UN resolution to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz

France has distributed a draft UN Security Council resolution backing freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and member states' right to protect their ships.

• The draft, distributed Saturday, affirms navigational rights for all vessels and member states' right to defend their ships.
• It encourages voluntary efforts including sea-mine clearance and defensive escort of shipping, and supports diplomatic resolution of regional disputes.
• Emmanuel Macron and Donald Trump discussed the resolution at UNGA 81, and it was raised with Arab states and Iran.
• France previously failed to pass a Hormuz navigation resolution after China and Russia, which hold veto power, withheld support.