Nairobi and Canberra, May 13 (SANA) – French President Emmanuel Macron announced Tuesday that France intends to launch a United Nations initiative proposing a “neutral and peaceful” framework aimed at ensuring security of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz amid rising US-Iran tensions.
In an interview with TV5, France 24 and Radio France Internationale following a French-African summit in Nairobi, Macron said: “The Strait of Hormuz must be reopened without conditions and without any transit fees, through the lifting of all forms of blockade,” while calling for firmness in dialogue with Tehran.
Macron stressed that reopening the strategic waterway is “an absolute priority,” adding that it must be achieved “before addressing other issues through negotiations.”
France and the United Kingdom, which are leading a naval coalition of countries not directly involved in the conflict, are proposing a multinational mission to secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz after Iran and the United States agree to lift restrictions, in consultation with both countries.
The initiative is expected to take the form of a draft resolution at the UN Security Council defining the framework for the proposed mission.
Macron criticized what he described as escalating rhetoric between Washington and Tehran and called for a fully respected ceasefire, saying it was “unacceptable” that the ceasefire in Lebanon was not being fully observed.
Paris is seeking to persuade Tehran and Washington to separate the Strait of Hormuz issue from the broader conflict and negotiations with Iran. Meanwhile, the United States and Bahrain have submitted a draft resolution urging Iran to immediately halt attacks and threats against vessels and attempts to disrupt freedom of navigation in the strategic waterway, although Russia could veto the proposal.
Macron also called for renewed dialogue between the United States, Iran and European countries over Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
“I support involving all countries in the region, which are the most affected by the current situation and by the instability some militias may create within their countries,” he said.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles announced Wednesday that Australia would join what he described as a “purely defensive” mission led by France and the United Kingdom to secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Australia will contribute a Wedgetail E-7A surveillance aircraft already deployed in the region to help protect the UAE from Iranian drone attacks.
“Australia is prepared to support an independent and purely defensive multinational military mission led by the United Kingdom and France once it is established,” Marles said.
He added that the mission is intended to complement diplomatic engagement and de-escalation efforts while “demonstrating a tangible commitment to the security of international trade.”
Any closure of the Strait of Hormuz — through which nearly one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies pass — would disrupt Gulf energy exports, drive up oil prices and affect the global economy.
N.J/R.K
