France: France views Syria as a potential alternative route for oil shipments amid ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said Thursday.

According to Anadolu Agency, Barrot highlighted in an interview with TF1 that recent tensions between the United States and Iran, coupled with blockages at the strait, have emphasized the need for diversified energy corridors to ensure reliable supplies to global markets.

Barrot stated, "Among all the efforts we have made since the start of this crisis, there is the idea of preparing alternative routes so that we are not dependent on blockages here or there." He further noted that Syria, which saw the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad a year and a half ago, is now reunifying and strengthening, potentially becoming a new regional hub.

Barrot, who was part of President Emmanuel Macron's delegation on a visit to Damascus on Tuesday, mentioned that the trip aimed to reaffirm France's strong support for a reunified and sovereign Syria. He emphasized, "We stand with the Syrian people," and expressed a desire to expand cooperation with Damascus across all fields, as well as to strengthen economic and trade ties with the country.