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France and South Korea Forge Iran War Defense Alliance

03 April, 2026.Europe.17 sources

Key Takeaways

France and South Korea deepen defense cooperation to address Iran war's economic and energy crises.
They agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to ease global oil disruptions.
Talks occurred during Macron's Seoul visit, signaling higher-level defense alignment.

Cooperation at Strait of Hormuz

Macron and Lee agreed to work together to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and ease global economic uncertainties caused by the war in the Middle East.

“French and South Korean leaders say they’ll work together on the Strait of Hormuz French and South Korean leaders say they’ll work together on the Strait of Hormuz SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung agreed Friday to work together to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz and ease global economic uncertainties caused by the war in the Middle East”

Associated Press

Macron underscored the need to de-escalate Middle East animosities, while Lee said they affirmed their resolves to secure safe shipping.

Associated Press

They did not elaborate on how they would help reopen the strait.

South Korean and French officials signed agreements on nuclear fuel, offshore wind, and critical minerals.

Macron has said reopening the strait through a military operation was unrealistic.

Defense Ties and Economic Security

Macron and Lee agreed to boost defense cooperation through joint exercises and more collaboration.

South Korea moves to increase output at its nuclear reactors to mitigate the energy crunch.

BFM

Macron emphasized the need to clearly define, at the international level, conditions to ease the crisis.

The alliance between France and South Korea extends European strategic reach into East Asia.

Divergence from US Approach

The summit unfolded as Trump slammed allies for not supporting the US and Israeli war against Iran.

“South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday they planned to boost defense cooperation and work together to address the economic and energy crises triggered by the war in Iran”