Strait of Hormuz Security Coalition: France and Britain Move Forward as Charles de Gaulle Deploys

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 aimed to improve security in the Strait of Hormuz when conditions permit. Macron discussed the move on Wednesday as tensions stayed high.

The Strait of Hormuz became central to the war in Iran. Its effective closure 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 work was defensive and separate from US actions.

Macron said France and Britain backed a proposed mission that stayed separate from warring sides. Macron wrote, "It may help restore confidence among shipowners and insurers." Macron added, "It remains distinct from the parties at war." Macron said the aim was to restore maritime security as soon as conditions allow.

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

The French presidency said Charles de Gaulle was ordered from the Baltic to the eastern Mediterranean. France also mobilised eight frigates and two Mistral-class amphibious assault ships. Vernet did not give an arrival time for the carrier. Vernet said France wanted to be close enough to respond.

French assets cited	Details
Aircraft carrier	Charles de Gaulle moved towards the Red Sea
Frigates	Eight frigates included in the mobilisation
Amphibious ships	Two Mistral-class amphibious assault ships
Air presence	Rafale fighters based at Al Dhafra, United Arab Emirates
Personnel	About 900 French personnel on the Gulf’s southern shore

Strait of Hormuz coalition, US stance, and market pressure

Macron said the approach differed from the US Project Freedom. That operation launched on Monday and was paused by President Donald Trump on Tuesday evening. Macron said Washington had not joined French-British planning. Observers compared the effort 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 official spoke as planning continued with partners beyond France and Britain.

France earlier pushed for a multinational effort on 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.

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 for later use. Vernet said, "The French position is the same since the beginning - defensive posture, respecting international law."

Shipping costs rose sharply during the conflict, industry estimates said. War-risk insurance was put 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 remarks pointed to weak commercial confidence.

Macron tied diplomacy to maritime security in the strait. 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 deployments across the Gulf region during the war. French Rafale fighters at Al Dhafra airbase in the United Arab Emirates intercepted Iranian drones and missiles. 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.