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52 French ships stuck in the Gulf amid Iran conflict, minister says

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on March 6, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: April 1, 2026

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52 French ships stuck in the Gulf amid Iran conflict, minister says
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PARIS, March 6 (Reuters) - Around 50 French ships are currently blocked in the Persian Gulf and another eight in the Red Sea, France's Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot said on Friday, as Paris

Over 50 French Ships Blocked in Gulf as Iran Conflict Disrupts Shipping

French Shipping Disruption Amid Gulf Tensions

Current Situation in the Persian Gulf and Red Sea

PARIS, March 6 (Reuters) - Around 50 French ships are currently blocked in the Persian Gulf and another eight in the Red Sea, France's Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot said on Friday, as Paris seeks support to build a coalition of countries to secure shipping traffic in the region.

Statements from French Officials

"There are around fifty ships - 52 to be precise - in the Persian Gulf and eight in the Red Sea, and we are also in permanent contact with the crews, as there are French sailors aboard a number of these vessels," Tabarot told French broadcaster CNews/Europe 1.

Reporting and Editorial Credits

(Reporting by Gianluca Lo Nostro; Editing by Makini Brice)

Key Takeaways

  • About 52 French ships are immobilized in the Persian Gulf and eight in the Red Sea, with crews—including French sailors—being contacted and monitored, Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot confirmed.
  • The situation reflects wider disruption: carriers like CMA CGM have suspended Suez Canal transits and urged ships to seek shelter amid Iran’s effective shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea threats (ainvest.com).
  • President Macron is pushing to form a coalition—backed by military assets such as deploying the carrier Charles de Gaulle—to secure maritime traffic through Hormuz and the Red Sea (argusmedia.com)

References

Frequently Asked Questions

How many French ships are currently blocked in the Persian Gulf?
According to France's Transport Minister, 52 French ships are currently blocked in the Persian Gulf.
Where else are French ships being blocked aside from the Persian Gulf?
Eight French ships are also blocked in the Red Sea.
Why are French ships stuck in the Gulf and the Red Sea?
The ships are blocked due to disruptions caused by the conflict involving Iran, affecting maritime security.
What is France doing to address the blocked ships?
France is seeking support to build an international coalition to secure shipping traffic in the region.
Are there French sailors aboard the blocked vessels?
Yes, there are French sailors aboard a number of these ships, and authorities are in permanent contact with the crews.

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