© picture alliance / Anadolu | Metaxakis Kostas
In a conversation with Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed deep concern over the escalation of the situation in the Middle East and the "unjustified attacks on the civilian infrastructure of the United Arab Emirates and several ships".
"All parties must immediately and unconditionally lift the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. There must be a sustainable return to the complete freedom of navigation that existed before the conflict," Macron further wrote.
The French nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and its accompanying ships are anchored in the Red Sea. France is thus preparing a Franco-British defensive mission to the Strait of Hormuz. That mission should restore the confidence of shipowners and insurers, Macron said.
In his post on social media, the French president further stated that he will discuss the issue with U.S. President Trump. "The restoration of calm in the Strait of Hormuz will help make progress in negotiations on the nuclear program, ballistic missiles and the situation in the region," the French president wrote.
Picture: © picture alliance / Anadolu | Metaxakis Kostas