From Poland, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday, April 20 that “France has not taken sides” in the Strait of Hormuz, which has been closed again by Iran after a brief opening.
“Several tankers and container ships have attempted to leave the Strait of Hormuz, it is likely that following the American decision to maintain a targeted blockade on Hormuz, (…) the Iranian authorities have changed their initial position,” explains Emmanuel Macron.
The head of state noted an error “on both sides”: from the United States imposing a blockade on Iranian ports and also from the Iranian regime deciding to close the Strait of Hormuz.
“It is necessary to continue to calm spirits,” he added. “They then proceeded with alerts and warning shots that led the crews to reverse course, and they were right, there were no damages or injuries among French personnel.” Following this, the head of state calls to “consolidate the unconditional and toll-free reopening” of this commercial route. An appeal that comes after 49 “non-belligerent” countries also called for the “full reopening” of the strait.
The countries have also expressed readiness for “a neutral mission” in securing the Strait of Hormuz.
“It is necessary to continue calming spirits, moving towards the reopening of this important route for international trade, global energy security, and also because of the direct consequences for the lives of our compatriots,” Macron added.
After the closure of this route, several commercial vessels faced shots and threats from the Iranian army as they attempted to cross the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday.
A CMA CGM ship was also “subject (…) to warning shots” in the Strait of Hormuz on the same day.
Original article published on BFMTV.com
