French and South Korean leaders say they'll work together on Strait of Hormuz

Key Points:

• French President Emmanuel Macron and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung agreed to cooperate on reopening the Strait of Hormuz to ease global economic uncertainties caused by the Middle East war, emphasizing the need to stabilize the region and secure safe shipping routes.
• The leaders signed agreements to expand cooperation in technology, energy, nuclear fuel supply chains, offshore wind projects, and critical minerals, reflecting South Korea’s push to reduce fossil fuel dependence amid the energy crisis.
• Macron highlighted the importance of an international framework to deescalate the Middle East conflict, while both leaders avoided detailing specific plans for reopening the strait, which is a vital passage for about one-fifth of the world’s oil.
• The summit took place amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s criticism of allies for not supporting U.S. and Israeli efforts against Iran, urging countries like South Korea, Japan, and China to take responsibility for securing the strait.
• South Korean officials stated they are consulting with Washington but have no plans to pay Iran transit fees for fuel shipments, and Macron dismissed the idea of a military operation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as unrealistic.