Macron says it is unrealistic to open Hormuz Strait by force

French President Emmanuel Macron warns that a military operation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz would be impractical and pose serious risks to shipping and regional security.

Reuters

April 02, 2026

Macron says it is unrealistic to open Hormuz Strait by force

French President Emmanuel Macron pays his tribute to fallen French soldiers who fought for South Korea during the Korean War at the War Memorial of Korea in Seoul, South Korea, April 2, 2026.

Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday it would be unrealistic to launch a military operation to force open the Strait of Hormuz, after U.S. President Donald Trump challenged U.S. allies to work towards reopening it.

"Some people defend the idea of freeing the Strait of Hormuz by force via a military operation, a position sometimes expressed by the United States, although it has varied," Macron told reporters during a trip to South Korea.

"This was never the option we have supported because it is unrealistic," he added. "It would take forever, and would expose all those who go through the strait to risks from the guardians of the revolution but also ballistic missiles," he said.

-Reporting by Michel Rose, Editing by Dominique Vidalon/Reuters