France Deploys Mine Countermeasures to Strait of Hormuz
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France has deployed mine countermeasures assets to West Asia to help restore safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The deployment includes two minehunters, accompanied by two frigates and a maritime patrol aircraft, ready to contribute alongside partners to ensure safety of traffic in the strategic waterway.
In a post on X, Macron stated, "France has deployed mine countermeasures assets to the Middle East, including two minehunters in particular. Accompanied by 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."
US-Iran MoU a Step Forward
Macron noted that the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran on June 17, 2026, constitutes an important step forward for regional stability, particularly by reaffirming freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. France is adapting its military deployment following discussions with the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq Al Said.
"In light of this favourable 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. He added that the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is returning to its home port in Toulon, while mine countermeasures assets and their escort remain deployed and ready to intervene alongside partners.
UK and France Joint Statement
In a joint statement released on Friday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Macron reaffirmed their commitment to securing navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The statement described the Strait of Hormuz as a vital artery for the global economy and stressed that restoring safe transit for ships of all nations 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." It further added, "The UK and France also stand ready to deploy the wider Multinational Military Mission to support freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz."
Commitment to Regional Stability
The joint statement also reaffirmed the shared commitment of the UK and France to regional stability, respect for the sovereignty of all states, and close cooperation with partners to uphold global security, freedom of navigation, and international law. Macron emphasized that France remains fully engaged and will continue to adjust its assets based on the evolving situation and the region's security needs.
