France and allied countries are preparing a "defensive" mission to reopen the Strait of Hormuz between Iran and Oman. French President Emmanuel Macron said this during a visit to Cyprus on Monday, while the conflict in the Middle East has resulted in sharply rising oil prices. According to Macron, the mission involves escorting container and tanker ships.
The hope is to gradually open the important trade route "after the end of the most violent phase of the conflict". However, he did not immediately give a time frame.
- It is crucial for international trade, but also for the flow of gas and oil, which must again be able to leave this region, Macron said, according to the AFP news agency.
The Strait of Hormuz is practically closed as a result of the war in Iran. It is an important trade route for oil, among other things. About 20 percent of the world's oil consumption passes through the narrow strait.
France is already contributing to a military operation in the Red Sea called Aspides - the Greek word for "shields". It was launched in early 2024 to protect vessels from Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf.
Macron said France would have a total of eight warships, an aircraft carrier and two helicopter carriers in the region, Reuters reported.
The French president expects both European and non-European countries to contribute to the mission to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Macron's visit to Cyprus comes after an Iranian-made drone hit a British base on the island last week. The French president held a press conference on Monday with the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, and the Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
- When Cyprus is attacked, Europe is attacked, Macron said.
- We will not accept that even the smallest piece of European territory - like Cyprus - is put at risk, Mitsotakis added, according to AFP.
/ritzau/
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