French President Emmanuel Macron has called on both Washington and Tehran to work in a “coordinated” manner to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as the United States launches its “Project Freedom” naval operation in the strategic waterway.
According to Agence France-Presse, Macron told European leaders that a sustainable solution to the Hormuz crisis can only be achieved through direct cooperation between the United States and Iran.
He also made clear that France would not participate in any military operation with what he described as an “unclear framework,” signaling a degree of distance from Washington’s current approach.
The US, meanwhile, has deployed a large-scale military operation involving thousands of troops to escort commercial vessels through the strait, describing the mission as necessary to ensure safe passage.
Iranian officials have warned that any foreign military presence in Hormuz could provoke a response, underscoring the fragility of the situation.
Macron’s position highlights a widening gap between Europe and the United States in managing the crisis—where Washington emphasizes military deterrence, Europe is leaning toward diplomatic de-escalation.
Given that the Strait of Hormuz carries a significant share of global energy flows, any unilateral escalation risks triggering broader military confrontation with global economic consequences.
The call for a “coordinated reopening” reflects an effort to prevent an economic crisis from escalating into a wider conflict—one that could extend far beyond the region if mismanaged.
