France keeps mine-clearing forces in Persian Gulf as Charles de Gaulle returns home

04/07/2026

PARIS, Jul 4: French President Emmanuel Macron said France will keep its mine countermeasure assets deployed in the Persian Gulf to help safeguard navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, even as the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle returns to its home port in Toulon.

In a post on X, Macron said the June 17 memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran marked an important step toward regional stability by reaffirming freedom of navigation through the strategic waterway.

Following discussions with the Sultan of Oman, Macron said France had decided to adjust its military deployment. While the Charles de Gaulle will return to France, French mine-clearing vessels and their escort will remain in the region, ready to support partners if needed.