Paris – France has deemed a potential U.S.-led military operation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as “unrealistic,” signaling a strategic divergence with Washington as tensions escalate in the Middle East. The Strait, a critical waterway for global oil supplies, has been effectively blocked by Iran following the start of the conflict initiated by Israel and the United States.
French President Emmanuel Macron, currently in Seoul, South Korea, stated on Thursday, April 2, that such an intervention “would take an infinite amount of time” and carry “a lot of risks.” He affirmed that France has not considered this option. This position contrasts with calls from Washington for nations reliant on the Strait to take action to secure its passage.
The development underscores growing regional tensions and highlights differing approaches to de-escalation among key international actors. According to a report by Le Monde, European nations are hesitant to be drawn into a direct confrontation with Iran.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that strikes have significantly damaged the Pasteur Institute in Tehran, according to the Iranian Ministry of Health. A ministry spokesperson called on the World Health Organization and the International Committee of the Red Cross to condemn the attack and assess the damage, stating that “the aggression against the Pasteur Institute of Iran constitutes a direct attack against international health security.”
China has reiterated its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the Middle East. This announcement could influence future diplomatic talks as international efforts to resolve the crisis continue.
The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz began on February 28, 2026, following joint military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, which resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In response, Iran launched missile and drone attacks against U.S. Military bases, Israeli territory, and other Gulf states, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned ships against traversing the Strait, effectively halting maritime traffic. More details on the ongoing situation can be found on Wikipedia.
According to early reports, at least 11 merchant ships have been damaged, with six abandoned, and 10 sailors have been killed or are missing. One dockworker was killed and two injured in Bahrain.
The situation has also triggered a global surge in oil and gas prices, further impacting the international economy.
