PARIS: Emmanuel Macron has said France is not prepared to join immediate military action to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but signalled readiness to participate in a naval mission once the situation stabilises.
The French president’s remarks came in response to calls by Donald Trump for allied countries to support a US-led effort to secure the vital oil shipping route.
France not part of conflict
Macron said France was not directly involved in the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, and therefore would not take part in immediate military operations.
“We are not a party to the conflict,” he said, adding that France could join an international effort to protect maritime traffic once hostilities ease.
Possible future naval role
He noted that France is willing to work with other nations on an escort system for commercial shipping.
“We are ready, with other nations, to take responsibility for an escort system,” Macron said.
Rising tensions over key oil route
The Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 20 percent of global oil supplies pass, has been effectively closed following US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran.
The development has led to sharp increases in global oil prices, with crude rising above $100 per barrel.
Limited access amid security risks
Iran has said the restrictions apply mainly to US and Israeli vessels, but security concerns, including threats of drone and missile attacks, have prompted most tankers to avoid the route.