Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 6, 2026
1 min readLast updated: April 1, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleFrance says 52 French-flagged or linked ships are currently stuck in the Persian Gulf and eight in the Red Sea, amid heightened tensions following Iran’s threats and shipping disruptions. Paris is rallying international support to safeguard critical maritime routes.
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.
"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 by Gianluca Lo Nostro; Editing by Makini Brice)
According to France's Transport Minister, 52 French ships are currently blocked in the Persian Gulf.
Eight French ships are also blocked in the Red Sea.
The ships are blocked due to disruptions caused by the conflict involving Iran, affecting maritime security.
France is seeking support to build an international coalition to secure shipping traffic in the region.
Yes, there are French sailors aboard a number of these ships, and authorities are in permanent contact with the crews.
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