French and South Korean leaders say they'll work together on the Strait of Hormuz

French President Emmanuel Macron and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said Friday that their countries will work together on the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping lane under pressure from the wider Middle East war.

After summit talks in Seoul, Lee said the two sides agreed to cooperate to secure safe passage through the strait. Macron said the effort was needed to help reopen the route and ease the economic fallout for global energy markets.

The leaders did not spell out how the cooperation would work, but both framed the issue as a shared concern for maritime security and energy stability. The Strait of Hormuz is a major transit point for oil shipments from the Gulf, and recent fighting has heightened fears of disruption.

The meeting came as governments and markets around the world have been watching the conflict closely for signs it could further restrict shipping or send fuel prices higher. France and South Korea did not announce a formal military operation or joint intervention in the briefing reports reviewed, only a pledge to coordinate on the issue.

The talks also added to a broader round of diplomatic efforts aimed at limiting the economic spillover from the conflict.