ISTANBUL
France’s defense chief told CNEWS on Friday that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East “is not ours,” highlighting the country’s focus on a defensive and diplomatic strategy.
“The objective, I repeat, is really to facilitate the diplomatic path, hence the notion of defense. And today, this war is not ours. It is important to stress that,” said Catherine Vautrin, the armed forces minister.
“We have not joined this war. We must defend ourselves very concretely, and that is why France’s strategy is to multiply contacts,” she said.
She added that France recently hosted a meeting organized by its chief of Defense Staff with counterparts from 35 countries aimed at “working on a defensive strategy.”
Vautrin stressed the importance of a diplomatic approach to secure peace and freedom of navigation in the region.
“It is important that everyone understands that when we talk about (the Strait of) Hormuz morning, noon, and night, it is because Hormuz accounts for 20% of global traffic. The consequences affect Western countries, but also Japan, India. Many countries are concerned, and it is absolutely essential that we find a solution,” she said.
For nearly a month, the US and Israel have carried out an air offensive on Iran, so far killing over 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.
The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively disrupted since early March. Around 20 million barrels of oil normally pass through it daily, and its disruption has driven up shipping costs and pushed global oil prices higher.