France, allies preparing bid to 'gradually' reopen Strait of HormuzFrench President Emmanuel Macron was in Cyprus on Monday to discuss regional securityABOARD THE FRENCH AIRCRAFT CARRIER CHARLES DE GAULLE - France and its allies are preparing a "defensive" mission to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, President Emmanuel Macron said Monday as the Middle East war entered its second week. Maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a key Gulf waterway through which a fifth of global crude passes, has all but halted since the war broke out. The flagship Charles de Gaulle may eventually be deployed to the Strait of Hormuz as part of the announced mission, Macron said. Macron earlier said that France would contribute "in the long term" with two frigates to Operation Aspides. Separately, the French president on Monday morning spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the situation in the Middle East and Lebanon, the Elysee said.

Source: Bangkok Post March 09, 2026 23:08 UTC