French President Emmanuel Macron has proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz ahead of a U.S.-Iran war truce, seeking to resolve shipping blockades disrupting global trade. The plan, outlined by two anonymous French officials on Wednesday, suggests excluding the strait from broader Iran nuclear and missile negotiations, potentially allowing France, Britain, and European-led forces to escort commercial vessels. Macron aims to counter economic fallout as the strait's closure—first blocked by Iran and later by U.S. ships—threatens supply chains.

However, Iran may reject the proposal to avoid weakening leverage in talks with the U.S., which has dismissed a U.S. offer as a 'list of American wishes.' Meanwhile, France deployed its Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier to the Red Sea, signaling readiness for a multinational peacekeeping mission. The U.S. paused escort operations on Tuesday, citing 'great progress' in talks, but both sides downplayed breakthroughs. A CMA CGM container ship was hit by fire in the strait on Tuesday, highlighting the crisis's impact on European and Asian economies.

Macron's intervention reflects Europe's frustration over the economic costs of the standoff.