Strait of Hormuz security: France moves Charles de Gaulle carrier group into the Red Sea

France said the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle was moving towards the Red Sea. President Emmanuel Macron linked the shift to planning for a possible French-British effort. The plan aims to improve security in the Strait of Hormuz when conditions permit. Macron spoke about the move on Wednesday as tensions stayed high.

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The Strait of Hormuz has become central to the war in Iran. Its effective closure has left hundreds of ships unable to move. The International Energy Agency described it as the largest supply disruption in global oil market history. Macron said the European effort is defensive and separate from US moves in the area.

Strait of Hormuz mission plans and conditions

The proposed mission was backed by France and Britain and was presented as distinct from the parties at war. Macron wrote, "It may help restore confidence among shipowners and insurers.\" Macron added, \"It remains distinct from the parties at war.\" Macron said the goal was to restore maritime security as soon as conditions allow.

Col. Guillaume Vernet said the Hormuz coalition will wait for two conditions. The threat to shipping must fall, and industry confidence must return. Vernet said any operation would also need regional approval. That would include Iran, which borders the strait and acted after the war began.

Vernet linked the crisis to events after February 28. Vernet said the war began with attacks by the US and Israel. Vernet said Iran then attacked and threatened ships. Vernet said France was positioning the carrier to act later if needed. Vernet said, \"The French position is the same since the beginning - defensive posture, respecting international law.\"

Strait of Hormuz coalition and US stance

Macron said the work differed from the US Project Freedom. That US operation launched on Monday and was paused by President Donald Trump on Tuesday evening. Macron said Washington has not taken part in French-British planning. Observers compared the plan to a European coalition formed to support Ukraine.

A French top official spoke anonymously under French presidency custom. The official said, \"We want to send the message that not only are we ready to secure the Strait of Hormuz, but that we are also capable of doing so,\" The statement came as planning continued with partners beyond France and Britain.

Strait of Hormuz deployments, summit, and insurance pressure

France earlier pushed for a multinational effort to reestablish freedom of navigation. Macron and Keir Starmer hosted many countries at a Paris summit on April 17. Military planners from more than 30 nations later agreed operational details. The Hormuz coalition was described as involving France, Britain, and more than 50 nations.

The French presidency said the Charles de Gaulle was ordered from the Baltic to the eastern Mediterranean. The mobilisation also included eight frigates and two Mistral-class amphibious assault ships. Vernet did not give an arrival time for the carrier. Vernet said the aim was to be near enough to respond when conditions are met.

Costs for ships have risen sharply due to the conflict. Industry estimates put war-risk insurance at four to five times preconflict levels. Vernet said, \"For now, insurance premiums are so high that not a single ship will jeopardise their trip or go there,\" The statement reflected the current lack of commercial confidence.

Macron said diplomacy remained linked to maritime security. Macron spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday and planned to raise the issue with Trump. Macron wrote, \"A return to calm in the Strait will help advance negotiations on nuclear issues, ballistic matters, and the regional situation,\" Macron also wrote, \"Europeans… will play their part.\"

France also maintained air and personnel deployments in the Gulf region. French Rafale fighters at Al Dhafra airbase in the United Arab Emirates have been intercepting Iranian drones and missiles. The activity has continued since the war began. France said the mission operated under a long-standing defence pact with Abu Dhabi. About 900 French personnel were based on the Gulf’s southern shore.

With inputs from PTI