Emmanuel Macron has ordered an “unprecedented” naval deployment in the Middle East to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
France will deploy eight frigates—more than the entire British fleet—along with two amphibious helicopter carriers and the country’s flagship Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier.
Britain is still struggling to send a single warship to Cyprus, where RAF Akrotiri, a UK military base, was struck by an Iranian-made drone earlier this month.
“We aim to guarantee freedom of navigation and maritime security,” Mr. Macron said during a visit to a military air base in Cyprus.
The French vessels are expected to join US forces aiming to reopen the narrow Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s oil is carried, following a series of Iranian attacks.
We have ships. Why are the French sending frigates?
At least France is doing something. It is time we move all of our bases out of England since they don’t want us destroying Iran’s war capabilities.
Me too! Me too! I want to be a war time leader too, Macron was heard saying.
It is well known that Iran can keep the Strait closed if it wants to. Missiles and long range artillery can do it.
I clicked the headline to find out what a “firgate” is.
Perhaps the French want cheaper oil?or maybe, just maybe their fear of Iran and Iranian supporters has dropped a bit?