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France says 52 ships blocked in Persian Gulf and eight in Red Sea amid regional tensions

  • 7 days ago
  • 1 min read
PHOTO: An aerial view of the island of Qeshm in the Strait of Hormuz, December 10, 2023. REUTERS/Stringer
PHOTO: An aerial view of the island of Qeshm in the Strait of Hormuz, December 10, 2023. REUTERS/Stringer



RIYADH, March 6, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — Around 50 French ships are currently blocked in the Persian Gulf and another eight in the Red Sea, France’s transport minister said on Friday, as Paris seeks support to build a coalition to secure shipping in the region.


Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot said 52 vessels were in the Persian Gulf and eight in the Red Sea.


French authorities remain in constant contact with crews, he said, noting that French sailors are aboard several of the ships.


France is seeking international support for efforts aimed at securing maritime routes in the region.

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