War in the Middle East: No action until there is deconfliction, Catherine Vautrin assures on LCI

France Chooses Diplomatic Path to Resolve Ormuz Strait Issue

• France opts for “diplomatic path” to address the Ormuz Strait issue.
• The country supports its allies in the region, “whenever it is a defensive approach,” stated the Minister of the Armed Forces.
• Catherine Vautrin discusses France’s position in the conflict on LCI.

Iran has recently escalated tensions with France. The deployment of French and British ships in the Ormuz Strait “will face a firm and immediate response from the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” asserted Kazem Gharibabadi, the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister.

Facing threats from Iranian authorities, Catherine Vautrin, Minister of the Armed Forces, emphasized on LCI: “France has been engaging in dialogue since day one. The president has always stated that France’s preference is the diplomatic path.”

“France and the United Kingdom, since April 17, have been working on a multinational military mission to secure the strait once deconfliction takes place. Hence, there is absolutely no intention to threaten Iran,” she assured. Emphasizing: “There will be no action in the strait until deconfliction occurs.”

“Facing reality”: the strong move of the French military, engaged in Exercise Orion 26

“When we talk about enabling traffic in the strait, it’s through diplomatic means,” the minister clarified. “Next, we will work with insurers, shipowners so they can deploy ships, which will then allow for guidance and security by the forces if necessary,” she added.

Defense Agreements

Furthermore, France has defense agreements with the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. “In March, the President was approached, particularly by these countries, which were under attack and requested France’s assistance in defending them,” stated Catherine Vautrin.

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France keeps its word.

Catherine Vautrin, Minister of the Armed Forces

“France keeps its word. When an ally with whom we are united by a defense agreement requests a defensive stance, France is there. And that’s what we did thanks to the skill of our pilots, who were able to assist these countries and shoot down drones, particularly to preserve security in the skies of these countries,” she detailed. And concluded: “No matter what happens, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates can rely on France’s support, whenever it is a defensive step.”