PARIS: France said on Wednesday it had not yet confirmed reports that mines had been placed in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, although preparations were being made in case demining operations become necessary in the region.
French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin told France Info radio that authorities were closely monitoring the situation following media reports from the United States claiming that at least 10 mines had been detected in or around the narrow waterway.
“At this moment, I have no certainty on the subject,” Vautrin said, referring to the reports about the alleged presence of mines in the Strait of Hormuz. She added, however, that France was taking precautionary measures given the importance of maritime security in the region.
“In any case, we are preparing for the necessity to potentially remove mines,” she said. The Strait of Hormuz, situated between Iran and Oman, is regarded as one of the world’s most critical shipping corridors, carrying a substantial share of global oil and gas exports. Any disruption in the passage can have immediate consequences for international energy markets and global trade routes.
Vautrin said France was dispatching demining vessels to the wider Gulf region as part of preparations linked to a possible future mission that could be jointly led by France and Britain. The operation, if launched, would focus on ensuring the safety of commercial navigation and maintaining freedom of movement through the waterway, according to Reuters.
She also noted that France already has a demining ship stationed at its military base in Djibouti, allowing Paris to respond rapidly should the security situation deteriorate further.
The comments come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and growing international concern over the security of shipping lanes in and around the Gulf. Western governments have repeatedly stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and secure due to its strategic significance to the global economy.
No official confirmation has yet been provided regarding the reported mines, and further details about the alleged discovery remain unclear.
