France rules out immediate deployment of frigates to Strait of Hormuz

France's Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin has announced that Paris has no immediate plans to deploy its frigates to the Strait of Hormuz to ensure maritime security.

Speaking on the issue, Vautrin said France is working with 17 other countries to develop a “transit plan” for the strait, Caliber.Az reports, citing French media.

She made it clear that the plan was aimed at guaranteeing the safe passage of vessels once the ceasefire stabilises, negotiations conclude, and mine-clearing operations are completed.

Vautrin added that escorting ships could be possible in the future.

The minister emphasised that the current situation remains highly unstable, making any deployment of French frigates premature

At the same time, she noted that France’s involvement in clearing mines from the strait cannot be completely ruled out.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov