The French Presidency declared “ready” and “capable” the mission created jointly with the United Kingdom to guarantee, with naval assets and personnel from more than 30 countries, the safe passage of vessels through the strategic waterway blocked by Tehran and Washington, an initiative that Minister Delegate for Defense, Alice Rufo, discussed with BFMTV.

We are ready to assume our responsibilities to ensure, without being belligerent, the safe traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, the high-ranking official underscored, regarding an escort mission that remains to be seen whether Iran and the United States will accept.

Rufo cited “demands” made to those countries, whose content has not been detailed.

The United States and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, a country that, among its responses, decided to close the strait through which 21 percent of the world’s oil production passed daily before the conflict.

jdt/iff/npg/wmr