Saudi-France Talks Target Oil Routes Bypassing Strait of Hormuz as Prices Stay Elevated

During MBS's August 23–24 France visit, Macron and Bin Salman discussed energy routes bypassing the Strait of Hormuz — new pipelines, capacity upgrades, and alternative ports. Hormuz shipping has been severely disrupted since the US-Israeli war on Iran began February 28. Brent crude trades near $93, up from $66 before the conflict. France is a major buyer of Saudi petroleum.