France is preparing to deploy a powerful naval force to the Middle East in an effort to secure shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, as the escalating conflict involving the United States,
Israel, and Iran drives oil prices above $100 per barrel for the first time in four years.
French President Emmanuel Macron said the mission would be “purely defensive” and aimed at protecting the vital flow of energy supplies through one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints.
The strait, which normally carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil shipments, has been largely emptied of commercial traffic since the outbreak of hostilities linked to the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran.
France plans major naval deployment
Following meetings with the leaders of Greece and Cyprus, Macron announced plans to send what he described as an “unprecedented” naval force to the region.
The deployment is expected to include eight frigates, two helicopter carriers, and the aircraft carrier French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. The vessels will patrol the Mediterranean Sea and the waters surrounding the Strait of Hormuz to escort commercial ships carrying oil and gas.
French officials say the operation will focus on safeguarding international shipping lanes rather than participating directly in combat operations.
Oil prices surge as markets react
Global energy markets reacted sharply to the growing instability. Oil prices jumped above $100 per barrel, triggering concerns about supply disruptions and economic fallout worldwide.
Major stock markets, including the UK’s FTSE 100, opened with noticeable volatility as investors reacted to the escalating crisis.
In response to the rapidly developing situation, leaders of the Group of Seven have scheduled an emergency meeting to discuss potential responses, including the possible release of strategic oil reserves.
US strikes reportedly hit Iranian ships
At the same time, tensions intensified in the Persian Gulf. Reports indicate that the United States Navy launched strikes against three Iranian merchant vessels near the Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas.
Images circulating on social media show flames and thick smoke rising from ships believed to have been hit during the attack. Officials have not yet confirmed the full extent of the damage or casualties.
NATO downs Iranian missile over Turkey
Air defenses linked to North Atlantic Treaty Organization reportedly intercepted and destroyed a second Iranian missile that entered Turkish airspace during the latest exchange of attacks, highlighting the risk of the conflict spreading beyond the Gulf.
Trump and Netanyahu signal joint war strategy
Former U.S. president Donald Trump said Washington and Israel would jointly determine when the war should end. Speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump suggested the decision would come only after Iran suffers decisive setbacks.
Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed that Tehran would ultimately “surrender,” adding that Washington would dictate the terms of Iran’s defeat.
Putin backs Iran’s new supreme leader
Russia also entered the diplomatic fray. President Vladimir Putin offered what he described as “unwavering support” to Iran’s newly selected supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei.
Khamenei, the son of former leader Ali Khamenei, was chosen by Iran’s Assembly of Experts following his father’s death. Iranian state television later reported that the new leader had been wounded, though no details about the incident were released.
Wider regional impact
Elsewhere in the Gulf, an Iranian missile reportedly struck Bahrain’s only oil refinery as Tehran targeted energy infrastructure across the region.
The United Arab Emirates also confirmed that two members of its armed forces were killed when a military helicopter crashed during operations against Iranian drones.
Conflict enters tenth day
The war between Iran and the US-Israel alliance has now entered its tenth day, with fighting spreading across several fronts in the Middle East. Analysts warn that continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a prolonged global energy crisis if the situation deteriorates further. Photo by Ali khodabakhsh, Wikimedia commons.