Paris: French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot ruled out lifting sanctions on Iran as long as the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked. "We ourselves have imposed significant sanctions on Iran. But it is out of the question that any sanction whatsoever be lifted as long as a strait such as the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked," Barrot told French broadcaster RTL on Thursday.

According to Anadolu Agency, Barrot stressed the need to reopen the strait in the short term, noting that it is a "common good of humanity." He emphasized that the strait "cannot be blocked, subjected to tolls or used as leverage or blackmail." Barrot further stated the importance of avoiding situations where France is forced to bear the consequences of wars it did not choose.

Barrot highlighted the necessity for Europe to eliminate dependencies on hydrocarbons and oil, as well as digital technologies, to prevent being drawn into conflicts and crises. "That is why we must focus on (...) how Europe can rid itself of all these dependencies on hydrocarbons and oil - no longer being dependent on oil, no longer being dependent on digital technologies; in short, no longer being dependent on things that, in one way or another, draw us into conflicts, disasters, and crises in which we are not participants," he added.

The French minister condemned recent attacks on the vessel belonging to French shipping company CMA CGM and other ships and energy infrastructure in the UAE, allegedly targeted by Iran, as "unacceptable and condemnable." He reiterated that "all attacks on civilian infrastructure are condemnable."

Barrot also clarified that France was not directly targeted by the strike on the CMA CGM vessel, mentioning that the ship was sailing under the Maltese flag with a Filipino crew.