France assists Bahrain in drafting Hormuz Strait resolution at UN Security Council

Moscow (ANTARA) - France has given advice to Bahrain regarding a United Nations Security Council resolution that would permit the use of force to open the Strait of Hormuz, Politico reported on Thursday (1/4), citing an anonymous diplomat. On 27 March, the Financial Times reported that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain are working on a UN Security Council resolution to restore shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. However, sources indicate that Russia and China are likely to oppose the move. An anonymous diplomat said that French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot met with his Bahraini counterpart and other Gulf state officials on 25 March to exchange views. The meeting aimed to increase the chances of adopting the resolution and implementing it. On 28 February, the United States and Israel launched attacks on targets in Iran, including in Tehran, causing damage and killing civilians. Iran then retaliated by attacking Israeli territory and US military facilities in the Middle East. The escalation in the region has led to a de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for shipping oil and liquefied natural gas to global markets, thereby affecting energy exports and production and driving up prices.