UNITED NATIONS - Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, has launched a scathing public attack on the envoys of Pakistan, China, and France, accusing them of striking secret deals with Iran to secure safe passage for their ships through the Strait of Hormuz .
Speaking during a UN General Assembly session on the blockade of the strategic waterway, Danon claimed that while Israeli and other vessels remain blocked, commercial ships from the three nations have been allowed to transit - implying that illicit payments or covert agreements were involved .
Breaking: Israel's envoy to UN says Pakistan, China and France have done a “Secret Hormuz Deal” with Iran and their ships are passing from Hormuz. pic.twitter.com/uWtqCQ7HP6
- South Asia Index (@SouthAsiaIndex) April 19, 2026
"I asked the French ambassador: How much money did you pay Iran to move ships safely through the Strait of Hormuz?" Danon said in a post on X following the session. "Surprisingly, he had no answer. The ambassadors of China and Pakistan also had no answer" .
The dramatic confrontation comes as nearly 20% of the world's oil supply typically passes through the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint that has become a flashpoint following the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran that began on February 28 . Tehran has effectively restricted access to the waterway, leading to significant disruptions in global supply chains and soaring energy prices .
According to reports, Iran has explicitly stated that vessels from countries maintaining hostile relations with Tehran - including Israel - will not be permitted to transit, while ships from nations with neutral or friendly diplomatic ties have been allowed passage . In March, Iranian officials confirmed that vessels from India, China, Russia, Iraq, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka would be permitted to pass through the crucial waterway .
Danon, however, rejected these explanations, framing Iran's actions as "economic terrorism" and alleging that Tehran is effectively holding global trade hostage . "They block ships, they harvest them, then they name a price. Pay and you pass, refuse and you are stopped," he told reporters .
The Israeli diplomat has been demanding that the three nations disclose what he claims are secret financial arrangements with Tehran. "Apparently there are questions that neither are in a hurry to answer," Danon said .
None of the accused nations have publicly responded to the allegations. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis continue, with Pakistan having brokered a fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel earlier this month. The United States has maintained its own blockade on Iranian ports and shipping, with President Donald Trump stating that the restrictions will remain until a peace deal is reached .
