France Plans Defense Mission to Restore Operations in Strait of Hormuz

France and its partners are preparing a defense mission to restore shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

This was announced by France’s President Emmanuel Macron during his visit to Cyprus, according to France 24.

France was one of the first countries to send its naval forces to Cyprus after the Iranian UAV attack.

“The defense of Cyprus is obviously a matter of utmost importance for your country, for your neighbor, partner, and friend Greece, but also for France, and with it, for the entire European Union,” the president said.

According to the French head of state, the goal of the upcoming mission will be to ensure the safety of shipping and stability in the Strait of Hormuz region.

The Strait of Hormuz during the war

The Strait of Hormuz is of strategic importance to the global energy market.

Approximately one-fifth of global oil exports pass through it.

This makes this sea corridor one of the most important in international energy trade.

The war between the US and Israel against Iran has led to the movement of tankers through the Strait of Hormuz almost coming to a halt.

Iran has a significant arsenal of missiles, sea mines, and drones that can be used to attack ships.

In early March, Iran used a maritime drone for the first time to attack an oil tanker off the coast of Kuwait.

Even a partial resumption of tanker traffic may take time. Shipping companies are usually very cautious in areas of military conflict.