French President Emmanuel Macron called for the rapid and full implementation of the peace agreement announced between the United States and Iran, considering that its success must lead to the immediate and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and guarantee freedom of maritime navigation in the region.
Macron said, in a post on the “X” platform, that the resumption of maritime traffic without restrictions or fees constitutes a basic condition for regional stability and the global economy, stressing France’s readiness to contribute to supporting the reopening of the Strait through the international maritime mission that it runs in cooperation with the United Kingdom.
The French President believed that the agreement between Washington and Tehran could constitute a starting point towards broader negotiations aimed at enhancing security and stability in the Middle East, and opening the door to addressing a number of outstanding issues in the region.
He pointed out that the next stage must include talks dealing with the Iranian nuclear program and missile program, in addition to issues related to regional stability, considering that reaching a comprehensive settlement requires addressing the various sources of tension in the region.
On the Lebanese side, Macron stressed that any sustainable peace must be accompanied by the Lebanese state restoring its full sovereignty, stressing that reaching a strong and permanent ceasefire remains a basic condition for achieving this goal.
The French President’s positions come at a time when the US-Iranian understandings are widely followed internationally, given the repercussions they could have on the security of the region, global energy markets, and the future of a number of regional files, most notably the Lebanese file.
France is one of the European countries most involved in following up on the Lebanese situation, whether through its political and diplomatic role or through its participation in the UNIFIL forces operating in southern Lebanon, which gives its positions additional importance in light of the ongoing discussions about the future of southern Lebanon and the post-truce arrangements.
The Strait of Hormuz file also gains special importance for Paris and European capitals, given the vital role it plays in global trade and energy supplies, as a large portion of oil and gas exports to international markets pass through it.
