France withdraws Charles de Gaulle carrier after US-Iran ceasefire progress

Iran's blockade and the US-Iran war

At the end of February, Iran blocked maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz in response to US and Israeli strikes, choking a vital artery for global oil and gas shipments.

A diplomatic opening

On 17 June, Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding after mediation by Pakistan and Qatar, launching a 60-day renewable negotiation towards a durable ceasefire.

The signing, on 17 June, of the memorandum of agreement between the United States and Iran constitutes an important step forward for regional stability, in particular reaffirming freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Carrier returns, minesweepers stay

On 3 July, President Macron announced that the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, deployed since May, would return to its home port of Toulon. The vessel is currently in the Mediterranean. Two tripartite minehunters, two frigates and a maritime patrol aircraft remain on station, ready to contribute with partners to the full resumption of safe navigation.

The aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is returning to its home port in Toulon, while our demining assets and their escort remain deployed and ready to intervene with our partners.

Joint demining and international mission

Earlier this week, Macron met Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq in Paris. The two countries agreed to conduct joint demining operations in the Strait of Hormuz. Paris, co-leading with the United Kingdom, is preparing an international defensive demining mission that could involve more than 40 nations.

Fragile calm and remaining risks

Traffic through the strait has slowly resumed since the memorandum but remains far below pre-war levels. Shipping professionals still consider the strait a war zone, a designation that applies at least until 9 July. US intelligence estimates Iran may hold up to 6,000 mines, and the risk of mines remaining in the water persists.