Macron announces naval deployment in Strait of Hormuz
Photo: French President Emmanuel Macron (Getty Images)
"We are now establishing a purely defensive mission, solely for escort purposes, which aims to allow, as soon as possible after exiting the hottest phase of the conflict, the escort of container ships and tankers, in order to gradually reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which is extremely important for international trade," Macron emphasized.
France is also strengthening its participation in the European Union’s maritime operation Aspides, launched in 2024 to protect shipping in the Red Sea.
The president noted that France plans to deploy two frigates to the operation. Overall, the French naval presence in the region — from the Eastern Mediterranean to the Red Sea and the coast of Hormuz — will include eight frigates, two multipurpose helicopter carriers, and the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.
"Our goal is to maintain a strictly defensive stance alongside all countries that have been attacked by Iran during its retaliatory strike," the French leader concluded.
On February 28, Israel, together with the US, launched a joint military operation against Iran. In response, Iran began striking several countries in the Middle East.
At the beginning of March, the leaders of Germany, France, and the United Kingdom warned Tehran that they could join the US and Israeli operation if Iran does not stop attacking countries in the region that are not involved in the hostilities.
The escalation of the conflict has already affected global trade. As of March 9, vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has decreased by approximately 90%.
