According to a statement from the French Foreign Ministry, Paris has decided not to deploy naval forces to the region for the purpose of protecting merchant shipping, despite growing tensions and calls from Washington for allied support in securing the critical maritime route.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important shipping lanes, with a large portion of global oil and energy exports passing through the narrow channel between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula. In times of heightened tensions with Iran, the waterway often becomes a focal point for military deployments and international naval patrols.

France’s decision highlights differences among Western allies over how to respond to the escalating situation in the Gulf and the role international forces should play in protecting commercial shipping.