Yerevan: France's president said Monday that Europe is building 'its own security solutions' and will not take part in operations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz under what he called an 'unclear framework,' instead reiterating calls for a negotiated reopening.
According to Anadolu Agency, Emmanuel Macron emphasized that Europeans are increasingly taking their destiny into their own hands by boosting defense and security spending and constructing common solutions. He made these remarks at the 8th Meeting of the European Political Community in Yerevan, Armenia.
Macron highlighted that the European security policy has been evolving since 2022 through various initiatives, including the establishment of the European Political Community, support for Ukraine via the Coalition of the Willing countries, and specific efforts related to the Strait of Hormuz. He expressed support for reopening the strait but stressed that France would not participate in any force-based operations unless a clear framework is established.
He stated, 'If the United States is ready to reopen Hormuz, that is very good. That is what we have been asking for from the beginning.' Macron also advocated for a coordinated reopening between Iran and the United States as the only sustainable solution to ensure free navigation 'without restrictions and without tolls.'
The French president also underscored the importance of maintaining the ceasefire in Lebanon, noting further casualties had been reported. He urged all involved parties to uphold their commitments to avoid escalating tensions.
Tensions in the region have been heightened since February 28, when the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran, leading to retaliatory attacks by Tehran on Israeli targets and US allies in the Gulf. Since April 13, the United States has enforced a naval blockade targeting Iranian maritime traffic in the strategic waterway.
A two-week ceasefire was initially announced on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, which was followed by talks in Islamabad on April 11. However, the negotiations failed to yield a lasting agreement. Subsequently, Trump extended the truce at Pakistan's request, though no new deadline was announced.