On the sidelines of the G7 summit in Evian, where he is welcoming Donald Trump, Emmanuel Macron announced Monday that the international maritime force led by Paris and London was ready to intervene to guarantee the free movement of ships in the Strait of Hormuz. This statement comes after the conclusion of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran aimed at easing tensions in the region.
“The means are in place and ready to be used”underlined the Head of State on “urgent and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz”. The aircraft carrier Charles-de-Gaulle has been prepositioned since mid-May off the Arabian Peninsula. “The resumption of maritime traffic, without restrictions or tolls, is an essential condition for regional stability and the global economy”he added.
The announcement of the agreement immediately reassured the markets. Oil prices fell by almost 5%, while remaining significantly above their pre-war level. Since the closure of the strait at the end of February, in the context of the conflict, prices have soared. A significant part of the region’s oil exports usually transit via this sea route.
However, the reopening will not be immediate. Paris and London have proposed, with several partners, an international mine clearance and security mission intended to be deployed once the agreement is concluded. This initiative is among the subjects discussed at the G7 summit which opens Monday in Evian.
“I fully authorize the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz without rights of passage and, at the same time, the immediate lifting of the American naval blockade. Ships around the world, start the engines. Let the oil flow freely! »Donald Trump welcomed on Sunday. According to the American president, this reopening will take place “as soon as the agreement is signed on Friday to allow mine clearance”. Before this announcement, the American Energy Agency (EIA) nevertheless estimated that it would be necessary “probably several months to return to pre-conflict traffic levels”.
