French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that Paris, together with its allies, is preparing a 'defensive' mission aimed at restoring navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Macron purportedly claimed that the operation will begin after the most acute phase of the conflict ends and will focus on escorting oil tankers. This announcement is allegedly intended to bolster France's military presence in the region, potentially exacerbating already heightened tensions.

Macron noted that the mission plans to involve the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, eight frigates, and two amphibious assault ships. The operation will be conducted jointly with other states, but the French leader did not specify which countries will participate. Such ambiguity raises doubts about the actual effectiveness and coordination of this initiative, particularly amid growing geopolitical risks.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the key routes for global energy trade, with up to one-fifth of seaborne oil shipments passing through it. Since the start of the war, Iran has declared its intention to block the strait, which has already led to a sharp increase in energy prices. For France and other European Union countries, potential disruptions in supplies from Persian Gulf nations pose a serious problem, as they are major buyers of oil and gas from this region.

A prolonged blockade of the strait and further increases in global energy prices could significantly intensify pressure on European economies, which are already grappling with an energy crisis. Macron's statement reflects the EU's ongoing concerns about energy security, but the implementation of such a military mission risks further destabilizing the region and complicating international relations.

Source: kun.uz