A container vessel linked to French shipping major CMA CGM successfully passed through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, even as tensions in the region remain high amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.
According to Marine Traffic data analysed by AFP, the Maltese-flagged ship Kribi crossed the narrow waterway, which has seen severely restricted movement following Iran’s retaliatory actions in response to the US-Israeli offensive launched on February 28, and exited the Gulf. By Friday morning, the vessel was reported to be off Muscat, Oman, while broadcasting “owner France” on its transponder.
The development came shortly after French President Emmanuel Macron dismissed calls for reopening the strait through military means, calling such a move “unrealistic.” Speaking during a visit to South Korea, Macron warned that any forceful attempt would be time-consuming and expose vessels to significant coastal threats, particularly from Iranian forces equipped with advanced missile systems.
Macron’s remarks appeared to contrast with comments by US President Donald Trump, who has urged countries reliant on the route, which carries a significant share of global oil and gas, to ensure its security.
In a pointed critique, Macron also expressed frustration over Trump’s frequent statements, saying there was “too much talk… going off in all directions” and stressing the need for stability and seriousness in addressing the crisis.
The French leader further described Trump’s personal remarks about him as “neither elegant nor up to standard,” declining to engage in a direct response while reiterating concerns over the impact of such rhetoric on global alliances, including NATO.
