Trump stated on Monday that he contacted Macron and rated his support for rallying allies to secure the Strait of Hormuz at “8 out of 10,” noting France’s potential participation in these efforts.
However, Macron, at the start of a cabinet meeting devoted to discussing Middle East conflict developments, emphasized France’s stance against any direct military engagement. He stated, “We are not a party to the conflict; therefore, France will never participate in opening or liberating the Strait of Hormuz in the current context.”
Conversely, the French president clarified that Paris does not rule out a future role in protecting navigation. He added, “Once the situation calms down—meaning when the main shelling stops—we will be ready, alongside other countries, to shoulder the responsibility of a ship escort system.”
European Independent Moves
According to French officials, Paris is pursuing efforts to form an international alliance aimed at securing the Strait, provided that security conditions stabilize and without US participation.
These moves occur as European powers’ roles have relatively diminished amid the escalating military confrontation between the US and Israel on one side, and Iran on the other.
With disrupted shipping routes and rising oil prices, European states seek to protect their economic interests. Sources revealed that France conducted consultations last week with European and Asian countries, including India and Gulf states, to explore a plan involving naval escorts for oil tankers and commercial vessels passing through the Strait.
Refusal to Engage in Military Operations
In this context, a French military official confirmed that the country “distances itself from American and Israeli operations,” stressing that Washington is conducting operations in which France does not participate in any form.
He added, “We exclude the use of our military assets to force open the Strait of Hormuz by force.” He noted that any potential mission to protect navigation requires a ceasefire or de-escalation, as well as prior negotiations with Iran, and must be within the framework of a “joint international mission.”
