France has decided to bolster its naval forces in the Persian Gulf to secure navigation in one of the world’s most critical shipping routes, which handles about 20% of global oil and gas supplies.
French forces have deployed mine‑countermeasure assets to the Middle East, including two minehunters, President Emmanuel Macron posted on X late on Friday. The naval deployment also includes two frigates and a maritime patrol aircraft.
“These assets are ready to contribute, alongside our partners, to the full resumption of navigation and to ensure the safety of traffic in the Strait of Hormuz,” Macron said. The interim peace deal between the US and Iran “constitutes an important step forward for regional stability,” he added.
The decision to deploy French naval forces comes after months of ongoing tensions between Washington and European allies. Europe has viewed the Iran war as a conflict of choice and was wary of getting involved in what would be highly dangerous efforts to reopen Hormuz.
President Donald Trump singled out the UK and France for criticism over their stance on the Iran war. In a Truth Social post, he accused France of being “very unhelpful” and warned the US “will remember” their lack of support.
European leaders had previously pledged naval assets to support the reopening of the strait after the war. Commercial shipping through Hormuz has picked up after the US and Iran reached a ceasefire deal last month, easing a global energy crunch.
European Economic Implications
European involvement carries major economic implications. A reopened Hormuz is expected to lower war‑risk insurance premiums and stabilize tanker traffic. The improved security environment could further reduce market volatility and support more predictable global energy flows.
It could also help ease inflation in the Eurozone. Consumer prices in the region slowed to 2.8% in June 2026, down from 3.2% in May, according to preliminary data.
This marks the lowest rate since February, before the Iran war disrupted energy supplies and pushed oil prices higher. The international crude oil benchmark Brent climbed above $114 a barrel during the war.
Crude oil benchmarks have dropped to their lowest levels since before the US‑Israeli conflict with Iran began in late February. Brent crude futures were up 0.19% at $71.94 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) edged 0.13% higher to $68.78.
France, UK Change Hormuz Policy
In a policy change, Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a joint statement on Friday reaffirming “their shared commitment to regional stability.” They expressed their willingness to maintain close cooperation with their partners to uphold global security, freedom of navigation and international law.
“The Strait of Hormuz is a vital artery for the global economy,” they said in the statement. “Restoring safe transit for ships of all nations through the Strait is a matter of global concern.”
France and the UK now plan to coordinate a coalition of more than 40 nations to help reopen the strait once the conflict ends. The US–Iran negotiations remain delicate but are still moving forward.
Last week, the interim US–Iran truce came under strain after attacks on US allies and vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) warned on Friday that Iran has the intent and “capability to conduct intentional disruption or attack.”
Oman Facilitates Pivot
Their policy change occurred after talks with Oman, the other country, along with Iran, that borders the Hormuz shipping routes. Vessels entering or exiting the strait passes through Omani territorial waters on one side and Iranian waters on the other.
Muscat has agreed to work with France and the UK “to ensure that its sovereign territorial waters are safe for navigation.”
“In light of this favorable development and the changing needs, following the constructive exchanges I had with the Sultan of Oman, I have decided to adapt our deployment.” Macron said. “France remains fully engaged and will continue to adjust its assets based on the evolving situation and the region’s security needs.”
France’s aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle will return to its home port in Toulon, Macron said. The carrier arrived in the Gulf in mid-May, where it had been placed on standby for a potential “neutral” mission to help secure navigation.
Iran Warns Outside Powers
In response, Iran warned France and the UK against sending military vessels to the waterway.
“As a responsible power and guarantor of the Strait’s security, Iran warns against any military movement in this waterway,” Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Qaribabadi, said on Saturday.
Iran has repeatedly emphasized its right to sovereignty over the corridor. Tehran has also said that the strategic waterway will never return to its pre-war conditions.
“The security of Hormuz lies with the coastal states,” the Iranian diplomat added.
Image: Shutterstock/FOTOGRIN
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