Macron Announces Mission to Secure Strait of Hormuz | DW

French President Emmanuel Macron announced Monday a forthcoming international mission aimed at gradually reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global crude oil and natural gas shipments, and providing escort for vessels following a de-escalation of the conflict in the Middle East. The move signals a heightened focus on securing vital energy trade routes amid regional instability.

During a visit to Cyprus, Macron detailed plans for the deployment of eight frigates, two amphibious helicopter carriers, and one aircraft carrier – the Charles de Gaulle – to the Eastern Mediterranean. He stated this deployment would “attract and mobilize” additional European nations to participate in the effort.

Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, the President clarified that the mission, intended to involve “European and non-European countries,” would commence “once the most critical phase of the conflict has ended,” without providing specific details.

“We are preparing this mission with our partners, in an orderly manner, and it will have a purely peaceful accompaniment objective. Here’s essential for our economy and for the world economy,” Macron said, emphasizing the goal of “escorting” various types of vessels to ensure the renewed transit of “gas and oil” through the Strait.

Macron also announced France will contribute two frigates to ensure “freedom of navigation and security” in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Red Sea, as part of the existing international coalition coordinated by Greece. “Our goal is, with a strictly defensive position, to be close to all the countries that are attacked by the response of Iran, to ensure our credibility and to contribute to regional de-escalation,” he added.

The French President met with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis as part of a visit focused on supporting Cyprus following recent drone attacks on the island, which occurred in response to the Israeli and U.S. Offensive against Iran. “When Cyprus is attacked, Europe is attacked,” Macron stated, underscoring the interconnectedness of security within the European Union.

rml (efe, afp)