Macron: Gas Pipelines via Egypt Reduce Dependence on the Strait of Hormuz

French President Emmanuel Macron affirmed that Saudi Arabia could construct pipelines running through its territory to the Red Sea, from where they could be connected via Egypt to the Mediterranean. This would be part of international efforts to reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz and find alternative energy transport routes.

In remarks to the French channel TF1 ahead of the G7 summit in Evian, Macron raised the possibility of building gas pipelines through Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon to exit through other outlets, as well as enabling the United Arab Emirates to own pipelines exiting on the other side of the strait.

The French president explained that the main objective is to find ways to reduce dependence on this single strait, noting that this approach entails building massive infrastructure, which represents a fundamental commitment for the G7.

Regarding the US-Iran agreement, Macron stressed the need to exert every effort to implement it, affirming that it is "a good thing." He said, "We will do everything in our power and will begin mobilizing and taking action starting this evening," coinciding with the start of the G7 summit.

Macron indicated that the work would not be limited to the G7 members alone, but would also include other partners invited to participate in a session dedicated to the Iranian issue and the situation in the Middle East, noting the participation of Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar in this session.

The French president stressed that every effort would be made first to ensure the agreement becomes a reality, and thus to reopen the Strait of Hormuz peacefully and resume navigation through it, emphasizing that this is of paramount importance to the citizens of all countries of the world, given that nearly a quarter of the world's oil and gas production passes through this strait.

Macron mentioned the joint mission established by France and Britain, saying, "We are there on the ground, and several other countries are also present, such as the Dutch, the Italians, and the British, and we are ready to act very quickly." He added that the military move includes sending aircraft, a frigate and minesweepers, as well as the readiness of the French aircraft carrier "Charles de Gaulle" with all the naval vessels accompanying it, which can be deployed within two to three days.