US Hormuz coalition ‘not in competition’ with France-Britain mission, says French minister
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated that the new US-led coalition to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is complementary, not competitive, with the existing Britain-France maritime initiative. The Britain-France mission is at an advanced stage, with planning finalized and regional partners being briefed. The strait's closure by Iran has disrupted global trade and driven oil prices to a four-year high.
- ▪The US is launching a coalition called the 'Maritime Freedom Construct' to restart shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
- ▪The Strait of Hormuz normally carries one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas.
- ▪Iran has blocked the strait in response to the Middle East war and the US blockade of its ports.
- ▪Britain and France have held talks with over 50 countries on their separate maritime security effort.
- ▪French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said the US initiative complements, rather than competes with, the Franco-British mission.
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US Hormuz coalition ‘not in competition’ with France-Britain mission, says French ministerSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxFrench Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said he briefed Gulf allies on the Britain-France initiative which was now at an "advanced" stage.PHOTO: REUTERSPublished May 01, 2026, 03:55 PMUpdated May 01, 2026, 03:55 PMABU DHABI – France’s top diplomat on May 1 said a new US-led coalition to reopen the Strait of Hormuz would complement and not compete with a similar mission spearheaded by France and Britain.French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, speaking in Abu Dhabi following a regional tour, said he briefed Gulf allies on the Britain-France initiative which was now at an “advanced” stage.On April 30, a US official confirmed to AFP that…
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