France Emphasizes Defensive Role in Strait of Hormuz

(MENAFN) The French administration stated on Monday that its proposed naval activities in the Strait of Hormuz are “never an offensive posture,” following Iranian cautions regarding potential Western maritime operations in the area.

“We have said it very clearly and consistently from the start: it is an exclusively defensive posture,” government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon remarked during an interview with a broadcaster.

Bregeon explained that France, alongside the United Kingdom and additional allies, was attempting to facilitate the resumption of safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

“We have taken an initiative to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, again in an exclusively defensive posture, in coordination with the different forces in the region when security conditions allow,” she noted.

Iran previously cautioned that any French or British naval presence in or near the Strait of Hormuz would encounter a “decisive and immediate response” from Iranian military forces.

Bregeon added that President Emmanuel Macron had “repeatedly" reaffirmed France’s stance while dismissing any claims suggesting aggressive motives.

She further indicated that France’s armed forces deployment in the region, including the relocation of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle toward the southern Red Sea, was intended to assist maritime protection and security missions.

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