France Rejects Trump, Plans Peaceful Operation to Reopen Hormuz

Macron rejected US pressure to militarily seize the Strait, labeling it unrealistic.

“French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday that France plans a peaceful operation with other countries to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and to escort oil tankers and merchant ships, stressing that 'it is impossible to solve the problems caused by Iran through bombing,' according to the French channel BFM TV”

Al-Jazeera Net

Russia, China, and France effectively blocked authorization of military action at the UN.

Al-Jazeera Net

Macron's approach prioritizes escorting vessels once hostilities cease and a deconfliction mechanism with Iran.

France reworked Bahrain's UN draft to remove Chapter 7 language and avert an offensive mandate.

The revised draft authorizes six months for coalitions to use defensive means to secure navigation.

Anadolu Ajansı

French diplomatic sources said they transformed the text day after day to make it closer to what they wanted.

France plans to lead a European naval escort mission once hostilities cease.

“Emmanuel Macron assured this Thursday, March 19, that France will not participate "in any forcible opening of the Strait of Hormuz", closed in the context of the ongoing war in the Middle East”

BFM

A CMA CGM container ship undertook the first crossing by a European-owned vessel since the passage closed.

Macron emphasized the strait can only be reopened in consultation with Iran.

Macron framed France's approach within a broader vision of strategic autonomy and multilateralism.

He warned against double standards and questioned the US-Israel war on Iran.

Euronews

The French Foreign Ministry called for stronger European NATO in the face of American uncertainty.