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

Key Points:

• French President Emmanuel Macron and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung agreed to collaborate on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and reducing global economic uncertainties caused by the conflict involving Iran.
• Both leaders emphasized the importance of securing safe shipping routes through the strait and pledged to expand cooperation in technology, energy, nuclear fuel supply chains, offshore wind projects, and critical minerals.
• The summit occurred amid US President Donald Trump's criticism of allies for insufficient support in the US and Israeli military campaign, with Trump suggesting that regional countries like South Korea and Japan should take responsibility for securing the strait.
• Iran warned the UN Security Council against provocative actions related to the Strait of Hormuz, leading to the postponement of a vote on a draft resolution to authorize defensive forces protecting shipping lanes from Iranian attacks.
• The Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed following US and Israeli strikes against Iran, disrupting a vital global energy shipping route through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil passes.