France Claims Europe Has Power to Protect Strait of Hormuz

PARIS: France has recently claimed that European countries have the full capacity to clear the Strait of Hormuz of naval tunnels.

The French defense minister, speaking to French TV, said that European countries, including France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, possess the complete potential to clear the Hormuz of explosives to enable ships through the trade route safe passage.

The minister further added that they possess the full capability to provide security to ships, and ensuring safe passage for vessels via the Strait is not a crime; they will consult the matter in Paris on Friday.

In this regard, Reuters reported that a France-Britain co-chaired meeting of around 40 nations is being held today, with the aim of sending a message to the US that its close allies are ready to play a role in restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

It is pertinent to note that the Strait of Hormuz transports approximately 20% of the world’s liquefied natural gas and oil, considering it extremely important for the global economy.