France agreed to provide escort, on the condition that the ships would not be attacked.
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The French government’s explicit condition for involvement in security issues in the Strait of Hormuz: the conflict must be substantially resolved.
On March 18, according to CNBC, French Foreign Minister Roland Lescure stated on Tuesday that France is willing to support the United States in safeguarding the security of the Strait of Hormuz, provided that vessels do not face attacks in this vital waterway. He said that France has the capacity and willingness to participate in escort operations through the strait, but “no one is willing to cross the strait when missiles and drones are flying overhead.”
According to Xinhua News Agency, U.S. President Trump recently urged European countries and other allies to participate in escorting the Strait of Hormuz and complained that some allies were not enthusiastic about assisting the U.S. Faced with U.S. threats and pressure, several European countries on the 16th stated they would not participate in the escort operation proposed by the U.S., bluntly saying "this is not Europe's war." According to CCTV News, French President Macron stated on the 17th that France will participate in escort operations in the Strait of Hormuz “after the situation becomes calmer.”
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial channel for global energy and commodities, and its actual obstruction has posed a direct threat to supplies of food, fertilizer, and oil. France’s stance reflects the general dilemma faced by Europe in the Middle East conflict: unwilling to stand by as the global energy artery is blocked, yet reluctant to become involved in unclear military risks.
France draws a red line: de-escalation first, escort later
French President Macron and Foreign Minister Roland Lescure have clearly set the red line for participation in the Strait of Hormuz escort operation: the conflict must be substantially de-escalated.
Lescure emphasized that France has the capability and willingness to ensure the strait’s security, but the premise is that the operation must proceed in a “state of peace” rather than a “state of war.” “We need to de-escalate first, then consider providing security for the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.
Macron’s position fully aligns with this. He reiterated that France is not a party to the conflict and will not intervene in any military action under the current circumstances. However, he also pledged that once “the situation is calm”—that is, after major hostilities stop—France will work with the international community to fulfill escort responsibilities.
European allies collectively resist
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital chokepoint for Middle Eastern oil and gas exports and is currently substantially blocked due to conflict in the region. U.S. President Trump has publicly accused the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and other EU countries of failing to help the U.S. reopen the waterway.
But European countries share a similar stance. According to Xinhua News Agency, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kalas said on the 16th that the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict “is not Europe’s war,” “no one wishes to actively become involved in this war,” and EU countries have no intention of extending their current “Shield” escort operations in the Red Sea and Gulf area to the Strait of Hormuz.
According to CNBC, French Foreign Minister Roland Lescure responded even more directly to outside criticism: “Will this crisis impact Europe? Will it impact the U.S.? I think the answer is the same. But one thing is clear: the crisis was not caused by us.”
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