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Macron: "A defense mission is under way to gradually open the Strait of Hormuz."

This mission should be carried out 'with European and non-European countries once the most critical phase of the conflict has been completed'. The Head of State has specified that the plan would have a 'peaceful purpose of assistance' and that the way would be to 'escort' various types of vessels so that 'gas and oil' can pass through Hormuz again.

Paphos (Cyprus), 09/03/2026.- French President Emmanuel Macron speaks during a joint press conference with Cyprus' president and Greece's prime minister at Paphos military airport, in Paphos, Cyprus, 09 March 2026, on the day of Macron's visit to show France's solidarity after recent drone attacks amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, and aimed at reinforcing European security in the Eastern Mediterranean. (Chipre, Francia, Grecia) EFE/EPA/Gonzalo Fuentes / POOL MAXPPP OUT
Emmanuel Macron, today, in Cyprus. Photo: EFE.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday that an international "defense mission" is "under way" to gradually open the Strait of Hormuz, through which a large percentage of crude oil and gas, as well as other essential products, pass. 

Macron has specified that eight frigates, two amphibious portahelikopterers and a French aircraft carrier will be deployed in the eastern Mediterranean, all of which will enable other European countries to 'attract and mobilise'.


On the Strait of Hormuz, the French President has specified that this mission, which should be carried out 'with European and non-European countries', would be carried out 'after the end of the most critical phase of the conflict', without further details.

"This mission, which we are preparing with our partners in an orderly manner and which will serve a peaceful , supportive purpose, is fundamental to our economy and the world economy, "Macron said.

The way to do this would be to "escort" several kinds of ships so that, in Macron's words, "gas and oil" could pass through Ormuz again.

Macron has also indicated that France will install two frigates in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Red Sea (within the international coalition coordinated by Greece) to ensure "freedom of navigation and security".

"Our goal is, with a purely defensive attitude, to promote proximity to all countries affected by Iran's response attacks, to ensure our credibility and to de-escalate the region," he added.

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Paris (FRA), 17/04/2026.- (L-R) Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer, France's President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz give a joint statement after an international summit to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, at the Elysee Palace, in Paris, France, 17 April 2026. (Francia, Reino Unido) EFE/EPA/MICHEL EULER / POOL MAXPPP OUT
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The EU says the opening of Ormuz is good news but insists that travel must be free

"The imposition of tolls for transit would set a dangerous precedent," said the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas. On the other hand, in the context of the crisis and convened by France and the United Kingdom, 50 countries and international organizations have met in Paris. They have announced the launch of a "neutral" maritime mission to "assist and protect" ships passing through the Persian Gulf.

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