Paris Denies Confirming Mines in Strait of Hormuz, Prepares for Potential Missions

French Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin has denied that her country possesses any definitive confirmation regarding reports of mines planted in the Strait of Hormuz, following news of at least ten mines being spotted in the vital region. In press statements, Vautrin clarified that the current lack of certainty does not prevent Paris from making the necessary preparations to deal with any emergency, including engaging in potential mine-clearing operations. The Minister revealed that minesweepers have been dispatched to the region, in preparation for the possibility of launching a joint mission led by France and Britain. She also pointed out that another French minesweeper is stationed at the military base in Djibouti, ready to respond to any contingency.