French media: The French aircraft carrier "Charles de Gaulle" heads to the southern part of the Red Sea.

According to a report by Reference News on May 9, Agence France-Presse reported on May 6 that the French government stated that the French Navy aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle set sail for the southern Red Sea on the 6th for early deployment, preparing for a possible escort mission in the Strait of Hormuz.

An assistant to French President Macron revealed to reporters that this move is intended to send a signal: France is not only prepared to defend the security of the Strait of Hormuz but also possesses the corresponding operational capabilities.

As a strategic waterway, the Strait of Hormuz accounts for about one-fifth of global oil transportation. Since the outbreak of a new round of conflicts in the Middle East at the end of February, shipping activities in this waterway have nearly come to a complete halt.

Macron is leading preparations for a multinational joint operation with British Prime Minister Starmer to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The two countries stated that this operation is entirely defensive and will only be deployed after the end of hostilities.

Macron stated on social media platform X that on the 6th, he expressed deep concerns to Iranian President Pezeshkian about the escalation of the situation in the Gulf region. Currently, regional peace negotiations have come to a standstill.

In his post, he pointed out that all parties must immediately and unconditionally lift the blockade on the Strait. This statement also pointed to the U.S. blockade of ships entering and leaving Iranian ports, as well as Iran's control over this critical maritime passage.

The French Ministry of Defense stated that the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier and its escort fleet are transiting the Suez Canal, heading to the southern Red Sea.

The Ministry of Defense stated that the purpose of this decision is to "shorten the time required to implement corresponding measures as much as possible, conditions permitting."

After consultations led by the UK, more than 40 countries have initiated military planning for a joint operation in the Strait of Hormuz.

An assistant to Macron stated that France is taking this action because "the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is still ongoing, the impact on the global economy is intensifying, and the risk of prolonged conflict has reached an unacceptable level."

France has proposed to the U.S. and Iran to separate the issue of the Strait of Hormuz from other topics related to the regional conflict for separate negotiations. The assistant stated that this aligns with the common interests of all parties.

The assistant stated: "We can allow Iran to regain access to the Strait of Hormuz, provided that Iran agrees to negotiate with the U.S."

The assistant added that the U.S. must also lift the blockade on ships entering and leaving Iranian ports and seize the opportunity presented by Iran's willingness to negotiate on core issues.

If all the above conditions are met, the multinational coalition will deploy forces to ensure the safety of navigation in the Strait, "helping to restore market confidence" and "stabilizing the global situation."

The Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier typically carries about 20 Rafale fighter jets and is accompanied by several frigates for escort. The carrier set sail from the port of Toulon in southeastern France in January this year, originally scheduled to deploy in the North Atlantic. However, in early March, the carrier changed course and headed to the eastern Mediterranean to protect the interests of France and its allies. (Translation/ Xu Yanhong)