About 52 French ships are currently stranded in the Persian Gulf, while eight others remain stuck in the Red Sea as tensions linked to the war involving Iran continue to disrupt maritime activity in the region, France’s transport minister said on Friday.
Philippe Tabarot, France’s transport minister, said authorities are closely monitoring the situation and maintaining constant communication with the vessels and their crews.
“There are around fifty ships 52 to be precise in the Persian Gulf and eight in the Red Sea, and we are also in permanent contact with the crews, as there are French sailors aboard a number of these vessels,” Tabarot told French broadcaster CNews/Europe 1.
The ships have been unable to leave the region due to security concerns as the conflict between Iran and its adversaries escalates, threatening key international shipping routes.
France is now seeking support from other countries to form a coalition aimed at protecting maritime traffic and ensuring the safety of vessels operating in the strategic waterways.
The situation highlights growing fears that the ongoing crisis could further disrupt global trade, as the Persian Gulf and Red Sea remain crucial corridors for oil shipments and commercial shipping between Asia, Europe and other parts of the world.
