French Warship to Spearhead European Mission in Gulf from 2020

The Frigate Courbet. Reuters
The Frigate Courbet. Reuters
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French Warship to Spearhead European Mission in Gulf from 2020

The Frigate Courbet. Reuters
The Frigate Courbet. Reuters

A European operation to ensure safe shipping in the Gulf region will get underway next month when a French warship starts patrolling there, a French armed forces spokeswoman said on Thursday.

The French government has pushed for a European security alternative in the Strait of Hormuz after ruling out taking part in a US-led coalition protecting oil tankers and cargo ships from Iran’s threat.

France and others including Germany had feared that joining the US mission would send the wrong message at a time of increased friction between Washington and Tehran.

"The Frigate Courbet will take part in the European maritime security initiative from the start of next year," Reuters quoted Deputy Armed Forces spokeswoman Brigadier General Anne-Cecile Ortemann as saying.

France has said that about 10 European and non-European countries would join its mission, pending parliamentary approvals.



Saudi, Iranian FMs Discuss Oman-Sponsored Iran-US Talks

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah is welcomed in Muscat FM Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah is welcomed in Muscat FM Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi. (SPA)
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Saudi, Iranian FMs Discuss Oman-Sponsored Iran-US Talks

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah is welcomed in Muscat FM Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah is welcomed in Muscat FM Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received on Monday a telephone call from his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi.

They reviewed bilateral relations, discussed developments in the Oman-sponsored talks between Iran and the United States, and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest.

Prince Faisal traveled to Muscat on Monday where he was received by FM Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi and several other officials.