Overview
- President Emmanuel Macron announced on Friday that the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle will return to its home port in Toulon after operating in the eastern Mediterranean.
- Paris will keep two tripartite minehunters, two frigates, a maritime patrol aircraft and underwater drones deployed and ready to assist with demining and escort tasks.
- France and Oman have agreed to conduct joint demining operations and French forces stand prepared to work with partners including the United Kingdom if all parties authorize action.
- The carrier withdrawal reflects the June 17 protocol that reopened the strait under a single coastal corridor and the Charles de Gaulle’s scheduled mid‑July maintenance and crew rotation needs.
- Keeping mine‑clearing assets on station is meant to protect commercial shipping through a key oil transit chokepoint and could shape how international teams restore safe navigation if mine threats persist.