The French president said, after a video meeting with the leaders of the other G7 countries, that it is important to coordinate efforts to "ensure that freedom of navigation is clearly restored in all states as soon as possible."
The statement comes after several suspected attacks on ships in the important Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. The incidents occurred amid the ongoing war involving Israel, the United States and Iran.
Black smoke
One of the ships was hit while passing in waters outside Omani territory near the strait. The crew was forced to evacuate after an “unidentified projectile” caused a fire on board.
In separate incidents, a container ship and a merchant ship were also hit.
The Thai navy said the ship Mayuree Naree was attacked by missiles as it navigated through the strait, en route from the United Arab Emirates to India, according to the Bangkok Post. Pictures show black smoke billowing from the Thai-flagged ship. Three crew members are missing after the attack.
Iran has sought to block the vital trade route in response to US and Israeli military action, threatening to attack ships that attempt to pass through. A large portion of global oil exports pass through the narrow strait.
USA: Destroyed minelayers
The United States said on Tuesday it had destroyed at least 16 Iranian minelayers in the Strait of Hormuz - following reports that Iran was laying mines along the waterway.
Macron stated on Monday that France, together with allies, is preparing a "defensive" mission to open the all-important Strait of Hormuz to shipping.
According to the president, it will be a support mission where ships will be escorted so that the strait can gradually open "when the most intense phase of the conflict has subsided."
The strait between Iran and Oman is 33 kilometers wide at its narrowest point.
Iran and Oman have their territorial waters in the strait, which are covered by the right of transit passage under the Law of the Sea Convention.
It is important for crude oil transport from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Iran, as it connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
The majority of oil shipments go to countries in Asia.
Source: NE, AP
