France, UK Step Up Strait of Hormuz Security Efforts
Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron said France was deploying mine countermeasures assets to West Asia to help restore safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, while Britain and France announced they would work with Oman to ensure safe passage through the strategic waterway and would be ready to deploy a larger multinational mission if necessary.
Macron said in a post on
“The signing of the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran last June 17 represents an important step forward in terms of regional stability, especially with the reaffirmation of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.”
Macron said France adapted the military deployment after talks with Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said.
“In light of this positive development and changing needs, after constructive discussions with the Sultan of Oman, I decided to adapt our deployment,” he said.
He added: “The aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle thus returns to its homeport in Toulon, while our mine countermeasures assets and their escorts remain deployed and ready to respond alongside our partners.”
“France remains fully engaged and will continue to adjust its assets according to the evolving situation and the security needs of the region,” Macron said.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Macron reiterated their commitment to securing navigation in the Strait of Hormuz in a joint statement published on Friday (local time).
“The Strait of Hormuz is a vital artery for the global economy. Restoring the safe passage of ships of all nations through the Strait is a matter of global concern,” the statement said.
“The Sultanate of Oman has agreed to work with the United Kingdom and France to ensure that its sovereign territorial waters are safe for navigation.” he added.
The statement also included the statement, “Britain and France are ready to deploy the broader Multinational Military Mission to support freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.”
“The United Kingdom and France reaffirm their shared commitment to regional stability, their respect for the sovereignty of all States and their willingness to continue close cooperation with their partners in support of global security, freedom of navigation and international law,” the joint statement said. The statement was included.
