France plans naval escorts in Hormuz with other countries, if needed: Defense minister

A planning process is underway under France’s initiative involving around 20 countries on how ships could be escorted through the Strait of Hormuz if needed, the French defense minister said on Friday, Anadolu reports. “There is an ongoing planning process initiated by France, involving around 20 countries, to assess how ships could be able to transit the Strait under escort if needed,” Catherine Vautrin told broadcaster LCI.​​​​​​​ She stressed that the priority remains ensuring freedom of navigation through diplomatic coordination with all relevant stakeholders, including shipping companies and insurers. Vautrin said the initiative is being developed in cooperation with partner countries as part of broader efforts to secure maritime routes. She added that the Strait of Hormuz remains a key global […]