War Disrupts Navigation: Dozens of French Ships Stranded and Iran Threatens to Open Fire in the Strait of Hormuz

French Transport Minister Philippe Tabaro revealed that dozens of French ships have become stranded in the waters of the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea due to escalating military tensions related to the conflict with Iran.

Tabaro explained that 52 French ships are currently in the Gulf waters, in addition to 8 other ships in the Red Sea, confirming that the French government is in continuous contact with the crews of the ships to monitor their conditions and ensure their safety.

French Move to Form International Naval Coalition

The French minister indicated that Paris is working with its international partners to rally support for forming an international coalition to secure navigation in the region, amid growing concerns about the expansion of the conflict and its impact on global trade routes.

Strait of Hormuz Under Threat

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important maritime passages in the world, through which about 20% of global oil and gas supplies pass.
Although the strait has not been officially closed yet, Iran has warned that it will open fire on any ship attempting to cross it, putting international navigation at unprecedented risks and threatening to disrupt global energy flows.

International Concern for Thousands of Sailors

For its part, the International Maritime Organization expressed its concern for the safety of about 20,000 sailors working on ships in the area, especially after at least 9 ships sustained damage due to strikes since the beginning of the military escalation.

Navigation Data Reveals the Size of the Crisis

Tracking data showed that dozens of tankers and commercial ships remain stopped in open waters off the coasts of oil-producing Gulf countries, while other oil tankers remained inside the Strait of Hormuz awaiting developments in the security situation.

Greek Sailors Strike in Solidarity with Stranded Crews

In a notable move, Greek sailors announced a 24-hour strike that halted local ferry services, in solidarity with the crews of the stranded ships in the Gulf.
The sailors demanded that the area be declared a war zone, allowing maritime crews to withdraw and return to their countries safely.

Potential Implications for Global Trade

Maritime and energy experts warn that continued tensions in the Gulf could lead to significant disruptions in global supply chains and rising oil and shipping prices, especially if threats around the Strait of Hormuz escalate, one of the most important arteries of international trade.