France, May 7 -- France's nuclear-powered Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, accompanied by its escort vessels, is being repositioned as part of a broader mission championed by Paris and London, aimed at restoring maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.

The move, announced by President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday, places French warships closer to one of the world's most strategically vital waterways.

The effective closure of the strait amid the conflict in Iran has left hundreds of vessels stranded and prompted what the International Energy Agency has described as the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market.

French officials stressed that the proposed European-led operation would remain defensive in natur...