French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle arrives in the Arabian Sea
The minister said in an interview with BFM TV that the carrier “crossed the Suez Canal, advanced towards the Arabian Sea, and is currently in its position, but it is not in the Strait of Hormuz.”.
aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle
She added: “From the outset, France’s position has been to offer the possibility of restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait, but in a purely defensive, non-offensive manner, respecting international law.”
The aircraft carrier had transited the Suez Canal on May 6 and made a stop for several days in Djibouti, where France maintains a naval base.
The minister stated that the presence of the French aircraft carrier in the Gulf region “gives us the ability to assess the situation and influence the regional and global diplomatic equation.”
Military plan to secure the Strait of Hormuz
Britain and France announced last month that they had finalized a military plan to secure the Strait of Hormuz, which would allow commercial shipping to resume.
Reports indicate that some 40 countries have agreed to participate in a multinational mission led by the two nations to protect navigation in this vital waterway, once Iran and the United States agree to lift the blockade.
Closure of the strategic strait disrupts oil exports from the Gulf, driving up prices and impacting the global economy.
