France-UK naval mission readies deployment to help reopen Strait of Hormuz

France and Britain are leading a roughly 20-country coalition to escort shipping and clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz, with France’s Charles de Gaulle carrier and several navies’ vessels positioned in the region. A U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding sets out reopening the strait within 30 days, but it does not end the war and instead extends talks by 60 days. Shipping groups say the lack of detail on timing and safe routes is keeping operators on the sidelines, and BIMCO’s security chief said the risk remains very high and does not yet recommend transits.