France has called for the immediate and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint through which approximately one-fifth of global oil consumption passes daily. The appeal was made by Jay Dharmadhikari, France’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, during a statement delivered at the UN General Assembly in New York on April 16, 2026.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Oman and Iran, remains a focal point of international concern due to recurring tensions in the Gulf region. France’s position underscores its commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation and stabilizing global energy markets amid heightened geopolitical risks. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, France continues to advocate for diplomatic solutions to prevent escalation in strategically vital waterways.
According to the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, maintaining open sea lanes is essential not only for energy security but also for upholding international maritime law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The ministry emphasized that any disruption to shipping in the Strait poses significant risks to the global economy, affecting countries far beyond the immediate region.
Jay Dharmadhikari, who assumed his role as Deputy Permanent Representative of France to the UN on September 1, 2024, brings extensive diplomatic experience to the post. A graduate of HEC Paris and Sciences Po, and a former student of the École nationale d’administration (ENA), he has served in various capacities across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. His prior assignments include postings in Berlin, Brussels, and Moscow, where he served as minister-counselor at the French Embassy from 2021 to 2024.
France’s call for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz aligns with broader European efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East and protect critical infrastructure. The country has consistently supported multilateral dialogue through the UN framework, advocating for confidence-building measures and regional cooperation to address maritime security challenges.
The appeal comes amid ongoing concerns about potential threats to commercial shipping in the Gulf, including incidents involving vessel seizures and maritime interceptions. International observers have warned that any closure or restriction of the Strait could trigger sharp increases in oil prices and disrupt supply chains across Asia, Europe, and North America.
While Iran has periodically asserted control over parts of the Strait in past years, it has not implemented a full closure in recent months. Nevertheless, regional actors and global powers continue to monitor the situation closely, recognizing the Strait’s outsized influence on global energy flows.
France’s diplomatic engagement reflects its broader strategy of promoting stability through international institutions. As a nuclear-armed state and key player in European security policy, Paris routinely uses its UN platform to advocate for peaceful resolution of conflicts and the protection of global commons.
The United Nations has previously issued statements reminding all parties of their obligations under international law to refrain from actions that impede freedom of navigation. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has repeatedly urged restraint and dialogue to prevent miscalculations in volatile maritime environments.
Energy analysts note that even the perception of risk in the Strait of Hormuz can lead to market volatility, with insurance premiums for ships transiting the area often rising during periods of tension. This underscores the economic stakes involved in maintaining uninterrupted passage.
France’s position also highlights the importance of coordinated responses among like-minded nations. Working alongside partners such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and Gulf Cooperation Council members, France seeks to reinforce norms that safeguard maritime trade and deter unilateral actions that threaten regional stability.
Looking ahead, France has indicated its willingness to support UN-led initiatives aimed at enhancing maritime security in the Gulf, including potential confidence-building measures and joint monitoring mechanisms. However, it stresses that any such efforts must be consensual and respect the sovereignty of coastal states.
The next major opportunity for multilateral discussion on Gulf security is expected during the upcoming UN General Assembly high-level debate in September 2026, where maritime safety and freedom of navigation are likely to feature prominently on the agenda.
For readers seeking official updates on France’s UN activities or developments related to the Strait of Hormuz, the French Mission to the United Nations maintains a public website with press releases, speeches, and policy statements. Similarly, the UN Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea provides resources on legal frameworks governing maritime zones.
As global attention remains fixed on flashpoints that could disrupt international trade, France’s call for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of regional security and global prosperity. Ensuring open access to this vital waterway continues to be a shared interest among nations dependent on stable energy supplies and unimpeded maritime commerce.
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