Seyma Erkul Dayanc
10 April 2026•Update: 10 April 2026
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.
“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 chokepoint, accounting for around 20% of global trade flows.
The minister also pointed to wider regional tensions, describing the current ceasefire as “extremely fragile” and warning that it must be strengthened to achieve lasting peace.
She further noted the situation in Lebanon remains highly concerning and expressed support for UN peacekeeping forces deployed in the country, including French troops under UNIFIL.
Regional tensions have escalated since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, killing more than 3,000 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, as well as Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets. Iran has also restricted the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
US President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire Tuesday, saying Iran presented a “workable” 10-point proposal, while negotiations are expected to determine whether a longer-term agreement can be reached.
