The French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is heading for the Strait of Hormuz
The French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, which had previously been in the eastern Mediterranean, has passed through the Suez Canal and is preparing for possible deployment on a mission to ensure security in the Strait of Hormuz. This was announced by the Élysée Palace on 6 May.
The statement emphasises that this move is intended to demonstrate France’s readiness and ability to ensure the safety of shipping in this strategically important region.
The aircraft carrier is currently heading to the southern Red Sea to reduce the time needed to prepare for the operation, which will begin when circumstances permit. This was reported by the French Ministry of Defence. The ship is carrying around 20 Rafale fighter jets and is accompanied by several frigates.
French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer are calling for the creation of an international mission to ensure the safety of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz between Oman and Iran. The Bundeswehr plans to join this initiative, in particular by deploying a minesweeper, which is already heading towards the Mediterranean Sea. The mission is expected to be deployed once hostilities in Iran have ended.
France is also proposing that Iran and the US consider the possibility of reopening the Strait of Hormuz separately from the military conflict. Under this proposal, Iran is to begin negotiations with the US, whilst the United States must lift the blockade of Iranian ports and begin discussions on key issues with Tehran.
Following the outbreak of war between the US and Israel against Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil export route, was blocked by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. This led to a sharp rise in global energy prices.
Despite the current ceasefire between Iran and the US, the French shipping company CMA CGM reported on 6 May that one of its Maltese-flagged vessels had been attacked. Several crew members were injured and the vessel was damaged.
