France Urges End to Hormuz Crisis, Warns of Threat to Global Trade

(MENAFN) France has called for an immediate end to the ongoing disruption surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, with its foreign minister warning that the situation has persisted for too long and is now undermining global trade as well as the international rules-based system.

“All of this has lasted for far too long. This must all be brought to an end,” Jean-Noel Barrot told the UN Security Council.

He emphasized that freedom of navigation must be protected as a fundamental principle of international maritime law, describing it as an “imprescriptible, inviolable right.” He also cautioned against any interference with movement through the strategically vital passage.

“Straits are the arteries of the world. They are not the property of any individual,” he said, adding they “cannot be impeded by any obstacles.”

According to reports, Barrot argued that the situation in Hormuz is not limited to regional tensions but instead raises broader concerns about the global community’s ability to safeguard shared international resources.

He warned that allowing even minor exceptions to established navigation principles could set a dangerous precedent for future conflicts.

“If we were to accept the slightest exemption to this principle, thereby, we would establish a dangerous precedent,” he warned.

Barrot also stressed that passive responses are not acceptable, referencing a French-British proposal introduced in Paris on April 17. The initiative reportedly calls for an internationally supported, independent, and strictly defensive mission aimed at protecting commercial shipping, assisting in mine-clearing efforts, and restoring safe passage through the strait. He noted that the plan has gained backing from more than 50 countries.

“Oceans are a space for freedom, but not a space for lawlessness,” he said.

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