DID Press: French President Emmanuel Macron has said the Strait of Hormuz remains “almost blocked” and that no agreement has been reached to fully reopen the strategic waterway, challenging the U.S. administration’s account of shipping conditions in the strait. Recent reporting also indicates that maritime traffic remains significantly disrupted despite U.S. efforts to facilitate commercial passage.
Emmanuel Macron said the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, along with attacks on energy infrastructure, was contributing to higher global energy prices. He said France was working for a peaceful reopening of the waterway and was prepared to cooperate on securing maritime traffic.
The remarks contrast with statements from United States Central Command, which has repeatedly said the strait remains open to commercial shipping. CENTCOM said U.S. forces were facilitating the movement of merchant vessels through the waterway while enforcing a separate blockade on maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports.
However, available shipping reports indicate that traffic remains well below normal levels. Recent reporting said attacks and security risks continued to affect shipping, while oil prices remained above $100 a barrel amid concerns over disruptions to regional energy supplies.
Macron also said the Group of Seven (G7) would meet in the coming weeks to discuss the energy crisis, cooperation among member states and possible measures involving strategic energy reserves. Reuters reported that the proposed meeting would focus on securing energy supplies amid the effects of the Iran war on global energy markets.