French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said France is considering using Syrian territory as a potential alternative route for transporting Gulf oil to avoid reliance on the Strait of Hormuz, amid renewed tensions between the United States and Iran. Speaking to TF1, Barrot described the plan as part of efforts to prepare alternative routes so Europe is not so dependent on single chokepoints or susceptible to blockages.

Context and implications

The comments come after President Emmanuel Macron's recent visit to Syria, where he discussed expanding cooperation with President al-Sharaa's government. French officials describe the idea as exploratory; any shift would raise logistical, legal and political questions including infrastructure needs, regional security dynamics and the impact of sanctions. as reported by Middle East Eye