France wants to ensure the safe passage of ships through the strait but is wary of getting involved in the war.
Victor Goury-Laffont
It said the movement will also allow for an assessment of the situation in the region and “help reassure maritime trade stakeholders.”
French President Emmanuel Macron announced in March that he intended to set up a “purely defensive mission” including both European and non-European countries to escort commercial shipping through the strait.
European countries have been very reluctant to get involved in the war launched by U.S. President Donald Trump, but the continent faces a growing commercial and energy emergency because of the blockade.
Earlier this week, Trump pledged the U.S. would escort vessels out of Hormuz under operation Project Freedom. On Tuesday night, however, he said the U.S. would pause support for ships transiting “for a short time,” citing “great progress” in negotiations with Iran.
A French presidency official, speaking on condition of being granted anonymity, said of the deployment: “Through this adjustment to our posture, we want to collectively send the message that not only are we ready to secure the Strait of Hormuz, but that we are also capable of doing so.”
France underlined that its primary goal is to restore normal shipping.
