As tensions mount, France has declared itself ready to lead a multinational naval mission to protect commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — the narrow passage through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply flows daily.
Paris has communicated to both Washington and Tehran that it considers the security of the strait a matter of “common interest” that should be handled separately from the broader geopolitical standoff. The French proposal envisions a defensive multinational escort force for commercial vessels transiting the strategic chokepoint.
The initiative signals Europe’s growing concern that the U.S.-Iran confrontation could disrupt global energy supplies far beyond what has already occurred — and that the consequences would not stay confined to the Middle East.
