Paris, France. France is pressing ahead with efforts to form a coalition to secure the Strait of Hormuz once the security situation stabilises, two French officials said on Friday. The comments followed a report that Paris was negotiating safe passage for its ships.
European response amid escalating conflict
European states have been largely sidelined as the US-Israeli war on Iran has escalated, with Iran carrying out strikes against Israel, US bases and Gulf states. With shipping lanes affected and oil prices rising, European powers are seeking ways to defend their interests.
French consultations and escort concept
France has been consulting with European, Asian and Gulf Arab states over the past week on a plan under which warships could eventually escort tankers through the strait. One French official said that current conditions do not allow for any mission to deploy forces, and that France is initially focused on diplomacy before moving into operational details.
Report on safe passage talks and responses
The Financial Times reported that France and Italy were seeking to negotiate a deal to guarantee safe passage for their ships through the strait. The French presidency did not respond to a request for comment, while an Italian foreign ministry source denied the report and said Italian leaders were seeking conditions for general military de-escalation, with no negotiation aimed at preserving only some merchant ships at the expense of others.
EU naval activity and French deployments
The European Union’s main naval activities in the region centre on Aspides, a Red Sea naval mission launched in 2024 to guard vessels from attack by Iran-aligned Houthis. France already provides one warship to that mission, and President Emmanuel Macron has said there will be two in total. Macron also said France will deploy eight warships, its aircraft carrier strike group and two helicopter carriers to the region.
What impact do you think the conflict could have on shipping security through the Strait of Hormuz?