Israel Accuses France, China, and Pakistan of Backing Iran in Strait of Hormuz

Israeli ambassador lashes out at counterparts, alleging deals to secure safe passage through blockaded waterway

Apr. 20, 2026 at 7:06am

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A fractured, abstract painting of an oil tanker ship in overlapping geometric shapes and waves of navy blue, teal, and gold, conveying the disruption and uncertainty in global energy trade caused by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.Israel's accusations of diplomatic deals to secure passage through the blockaded Strait of Hormuz expose the complex geopolitical tensions surrounding a critical global energy chokepoint.Washington Today

Israel's ambassador to the United Nations has accused the ambassadors of France, China, and Pakistan of effectively backing Iran by allegedly striking deals to secure safe passage for their countries' commercial vessels through the blockaded Strait of Hormuz, despite broader restrictions imposed by Tehran.

Why it matters

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global chokepoint for oil and gas shipments, and Iran's blockade of the waterway has disrupted international trade. Israel's accusations suggest growing tensions between the countries over Iran's actions and the international response.

The details

According to reports, commercial vessels from France, China, and Pakistan were able to transit the Strait of Hormuz during the blockade, in some cases with Iranian authorization, despite the broader restrictions. Israel's ambassador confronted his counterparts at the UN, asking the French ambassador how much money his country paid Iran to secure safe passage, though the ambassador had no answer.

  • On February 28, the US-Israeli bombing campaign began, prompting Iran to effectively block the Strait of Hormuz.
  • On Friday, Iran opened the Strait to all commercial vessels, but closed it again the following day.
  • In March, Iran said vessels from several countries, including India, China, Russia, Iraq, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, would be allowed to pass through the Strait.

The players

Danny Danon

Israel's ambassador to the United Nations.

France

A permanent member of the UN Security Council that has previously voted in favor of resolutions condemning Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

China

The biggest buyer of Iranian oil, with most of its supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Pakistan

A country that has abstained from voting on UN resolutions critical of Iran's actions in the Strait of Hormuz.

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What they’re saying

“I asked the French ambassador: How much money did you pay Iran to move ships safely through the Strait of Hormuz?”

— Danny Danon, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations

“Surprisingly, he had no answer.”

— Danny Danon, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations

“The ambassadors of China and Pakistan also had no answer.”

— Danny Danon, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations

What’s next

The UN Security Council is expected to hold further discussions on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and the international response to Iran's actions.

The takeaway

The accusations from Israel's ambassador highlight the growing tensions and diplomatic maneuvering surrounding the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global chokepoint for energy shipments. The situation raises questions about the role of major powers like France, China, and Pakistan in the ongoing conflict.