French President Emmanuel Macron has said France will not take part in securing the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing hostilities, pushing back against calls from Donald Trump for support.
Speaking after a defence council meeting, Macron stated that while France could assist in escorting vessels through the strategic waterway, such involvement would only be considered once tensions in the region have eased.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global chokepoint, handling roughly 20 percent of the world’s seaborne oil supply, making its security a major international concern.
Macron’s remarks come days after he indicated that France and its allies were preparing a potential defensive mission to help reopen the route, which has been effectively shut by Iran following the outbreak of conflict involving the United States and Israel on February 28.
He emphasised that any such operation would only take place after the most intense phase of the conflict has passed.
Meanwhile, Trump criticised NATO over the situation, insisting that the United States does not require assistance in dealing with Iran.
