France’s aircraft carrier has transited through the Suez Canal ahead of a possible mission to safeguard shipping through the blockaded Strait of Hormuz. The Charles de Gaulle, France’s flagship, sailed into the Red Sea on Wednesday.
PresidentEmmanuel Macronsaid the 42,500-tonne warship’s arrival in the region intended to send "a signal that not only are we ready to secure the Strait of Hormuz but that we are also capable of doing so". The UK and France are leading a multinational effort to reopen navigation through the narrow waterway which has effectively been shut since the US andIsraelbegan attacking Iran in early February. Paris’ defence ministry said the Charles de Gaulle, and her accompanying escort warships, were travelling to the southernRed Sea“to expedite the implementation of this initiative as soon as circumstances allow it”.
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Around 20% of the world’s oil supply usually passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s chokehold on the route has sparked chaos to the global economy, including surging oil and food prices, as well asfears of jet fuel shortages.
The Charles de Gaulle arrived in the Red Sea asDonald Trumpwarned Iran it willface a “much higher level” of attacks if it does not make a deal on ending the war.
The US President said talks have been “very good” over the past 24 hours, adding: “It's very possible that we'll make a deal."
It comes after he announced theUS was pausing its so-called Project Freedomto guide stranded vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
Officials, speaking anonymously, have said an agreement on ending the war was close.
Source: Daily Express :: World Feed
