France prepares protection mission for shipping in the Strait of Hormuz
Istanbul (ANTARA) - France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated on Friday (1/5) that an international maritime mission focused on protection and not aggression in the Strait of Hormuz will begin operations as soon as conditions allow.
“The Hormuz blockade must be stopped and ended. There must be no extortion, no blockade, nor tolls in a strait,” said Barrot, emphasising that the strait is governed by international law and “must not be obstructed under any circumstances.”
He noted that the “very tangible rise in fuel prices at the consumer level” is linked to developments in the Strait of Hormuz, which France has condemned for violating international law and having a major impact on the global economy.
Barrot added that since the start of the crisis, France has taken steps to limit its effects, including policies to protect households and businesses from rising energy costs.
He said targeted support has been provided to the sectors most affected by the fuel price surge, including fisheries, agriculture, transport, and heavy road users, to help them absorb some of the shock.
At the same time, he added, France has launched a plan to reduce dependence on hydrocarbons through electrification efforts in transport and heating sectors, aimed at limiting the impact of future crises.
Purely defensive mission
Barrot also stated that France has deployed naval assets in the region since the beginning of the conflict “to protect our nationals, facilitate their repatriation, and protect our partners,” some of whom have been targeted by Iranian attacks.
He indicated that the international mission launched by French President Emmanuel Macron has now entered an advanced stage and will be entirely defensive, operating in coordination with countries around the Strait of Hormuz.
“This international mission is purely protective,” he said, adding that planning has been completed and the concept has been presented to key regional partners.
Barrot said the main objective of the mission is to enable maritime traffic to resume “as quickly as possible” when conditions allow, through escort operations and mine clearance.
Will not participate in US-led operations
Regarding the possibility of a US-led coalition, Barrot affirmed that France will not participate, noting that the US initiative appears aimed at linking ongoing military operations with shipping activities.
“We will not take part,” he said, adding that France remains focused on its own initiative and is not in a position to compete with other proposals.
The United States and Israel began attacks on Iran on 28 February, which then prompted retaliation from Tehran against US allies in the Gulf region as well as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
A ceasefire was announced on 8 April through mediation by Pakistan, followed by talks in Islamabad on 11 to 12 April, but no agreement was reached.
US President Donald Trump later unilaterally extended the ceasefire without setting a new deadline, at Pakistan’s request.