France ready to help U.S. secure Strait of Hormuz — but not while ships are under attack

French Finance Minister Roland Lescure told CNBC that France is willing to support the U.S. in securing the Strait of Hormuz — just not while ships are still coming under attack in the vital maritime passage.

"We are willing to do something to free the Strait of Hormuz, provided that this is not a war situation anymore. Nobody wants to go across the Strait of Hormuz if there's a risk of missiles or drones going on your head," he told CNBC's Charlotte Reed on Tuesday.