Macron announces an international mission to reopen the Strait of Hormuz

BrusselsAfter the increase of fossil fuel prices In the wake of the war in Iran, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday the launch of an international mission to unblock the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly a quarter of the world's crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) passes. Paris intends for the deployment of French military resources—eight frigates, two helicopter carriers, and an aircraft carrier—to the Eastern Mediterranean to "attract and mobilize" other European and international countries. The French leader did not provide many details about the interstate mission, indicating that it would involve "escorting" ships transporting fossil fuels and warning that it would not be operational immediately, but rather "once the most critical phase of the conflict has ended." He also did not explain which countries intend to join, merely emphasizing that it is a key geostrategic point for "the world economy" and, therefore, an "absolutely defensive" initiative that could be of interest to several allies. Macron also announced the deployment of more military resources to the Eastern Mediterranean and the Red Sea as part of the international coalition coordinated by Greece. Beyond France, Greece has also sent two frigates to Cyprus, as have Germany, Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom. This coalition began sending military reinforcements after a British military base on the island was attacked by Iranian drones. Furthermore, Cyprus holds the presidency of the Council of the EU this semester and has already canceled this month's ministerial meetings due to security concerns. In fact, on Monday, Macron and the Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, traveled to Cyprus to express their support for the country.

Another missile in Türkiye

Meanwhile, Turkey has announced it will send six F-16 fighter jets and air defense systems to northern Cyprus to bolster the defenses of the Turkish Cypriot community on the island, according to a government statement. The equipment will be sent to the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, an entity recognized only by Ankara and which divides the island nation in two. On Saturday, a source in the Turkish Ministry of Defense stated that the government was considering deploying the fighter jets, among other measures, to ensure the safety of Turkish Cypriots following the attack on the British base on the island. Turkey also fears being drawn into the war. On Monday, NATO air defenses in the Mediterranean shot down a ballistic missile launched from Iran that had entered Turkish airspace, according to the Turkish Ministry of Defense. This is the second such incident.after the same thing happened last Wednesdayand increases the risk of a military escalation involving European partners. It must be borne in mind that NATO treaties obligate action in defense of Turkey should it be attacked.

At the moment, it is unclear where the missile was headed before it was intercepted. US air forces are stationed at Incirlik Air Base in southern Turkey, and there is a NATO radar base in Malatya province in the northeast, providing key protection for the Atlantic Alliance. Ankara has said that fragments of the downed missile have fallen in fields in Gaziantep, which lies roughly between the two military installations.

The EU remains divided

This Monday, the deep divisions within the EU over the US and Israeli attacks on Iran were once again on full display. On one side, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that the bloc "can no longer rely solely" on a rules-based world order "as the only way to defend its interests," and advocated for asserting itself in the international arena, particularly with greater military power. On the other side, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, echoed precisely what the head of her own commission has deemed all but dead. "Without restoring international law, we are doomed to destabilization and chaos," the Estonian official asserted.

These differences are mirrored at the level of state leaders. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who also argues that international law and multilateralism are currently worthless, has once again come out in defense of the offensive by the Donald Trump administration and the government of Benjamin Netanyahu. "Iran is the center of international terrorism, and this center must be shut down, and the Americans and the Israelis are doing it in their own way," the German leader said.

"We shouldn't cry over the Iranian regime," added Von der Leyen. This position contrasts sharply with that of countries like France, Spain, and even Italy, which have openly criticized the US and Israeli attack because it violates international law.

In the middle ground is the joint statement issued by Von der Leyen and the President of the European Council, António Costa—who represents all member states—after a virtual meeting with several leaders of Gulf countries. In order not to offend any European partners, the text contains criticism of violations of international law and calls for de-escalation of the conflict, although it only points the finger at Iran and omits any responsibility on the part of the United States and Israel.