France intends to propose an initiative at the UN to secure the conditions for negotiations to restore shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, French President Emmanuel Macron told France 24.
„We must achieve the unconditional and unhindered opening of the Strait of Hormuz by lifting all blockades and starting a dialogue with Iran. We have proposed, together with several other countries, to present an initiative at the UN offering a completely neutral and peaceful framework for resolving the conflict with Iran. And we propose the creation of a special mission, for which we, together with the United Kingdom, have brought together 50 countries,“ said Macron.
The head of state said that the opening of the Strait of Hormuz “is an absolute priority“, emphasizing that France supports resolving this issue before resolving other disagreements. After that, he said, the dialogue on the nuclear and missile programs between Iran and the United States should be resumed with the participation of the EU-3 countries – the United Kingdom, Germany and France.
On May 7, the French aircraft carrier “Charles de Gaulle“ arrived in the Red Sea. The Elysee Palace described the move as a demonstration of its commitment to ensuring security in the Strait of Hormuz.
A spokesman for the French presidential administration said that Paris has demands for both the United States and Iran: Tehran must agree to participate in substantive negotiations to which the United States has invited it, while Washington must lift the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and respond to Iran's desire for talks. Once these conditions are met, “the naval coalition will be able to deploy assets in the region to guarantee the safety of vessels passing through the strait“.