Published On 4/7/2026
Britain and France confirmed their readiness to deploy a multinational military mission to support freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, coinciding with Paris’ announcement of the return of its aircraft carrier from the Middle East after the US-Iranian understanding.
A joint statement by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer explained that the Strait of Hormuz is a vital artery for the global economy, noting that restoring safe transit for ships of all countries through the Strait is an issue of global concern.
The statement pointed out that the Sultanate of Oman agreed to work with the United Kingdom and France to ensure the safety of navigation in its territorial waters.
According to the statement, Macron and Starmer affirmed the joint commitment of the United Kingdom and France to maintaining regional stability, respecting the sovereignty of all countries, and their readiness to continue close cooperation with their partners in order to maintain global security and freedom of navigation.
Mine clearance
In this context, Macron announced that his country has deployed specialized mine-clearing means in the Middle East, including two minesweepers, along with two frigates and a maritime patrol plane.
He explained that these capabilities are now ready to contribute – in cooperation with partners – to the full resumption of navigation traffic and ensuring traffic security in the Strait of Hormuz.
Macron considered the signing of the memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran an important step towards enhancing regional stability, especially by reaffirming freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
He pointed out that after constructive discussions with the Sultanate of Oman, and in view of the positive development with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding and the changing needs; His country decided to modify the deployment of its forces.
Macron stated that the aircraft carrier “Charles de Gaulle” will return to its base in the city of Toulon, while French mine clearance means and its accompanying protection units will remain deployed in the region, ready to intervene in coordination with partners.
He stressed that Paris will remain in a state of full mobilization, and will continue to adapt the deployment of its forces and military means according to developments in the security situation and needs in the region.
In mid-May, the aircraft carrier arrived in the Gulf region, where it was placed in readiness for a possible “neutral” mission to secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, as indicated at the time by the Minister of State for Armed Forces, Alice Rufo.
The Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq, visited Paris and stressed – in a joint statement with French President Macron at the conclusion of his visit – the reduction of regional escalation and the guarantee of freedom of navigation.
On June 17, Tehran and Washington signed a memorandum of understanding to end the war, paving the way for negotiations aimed at reaching a final agreement within 60 days.
