Macron calls for coordinated reopening of Strait of Hormuz, questions US-led initiative

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday called for a coordinated reopening of the Strait of Hormuz between Iran and the United States and expressed doubts about a newly announced US-led initiative, saying France would not participate in any military operation under an unclear framework.

Speaking at the 8th summit of the European Political Community in Yerevan, Armenia, Macron said: “I don’t know what this initiative is,” referring to the US plan. “Above all, we hope for a coordinated reopening between Iran and the United States. This is the only solution that will allow the Strait of Hormuz to be reopened on a lasting basis – enabling free navigation without restrictions or tolls.”

US President Donald Trump announced an effort to “guide” stranded ships from the Strait of Hormuz, giving few details about what could be a sweeping attempt to help hundreds of vessels and some 20,000 seafarers. Iran’s military command warned that US forces would face attack if they approached the waterway, and Tehran denounced the move as a ceasefire violation.

Macron reiterated that a parallel Franco-British plan, involving around 50 countries, remains on hold while US-Iran hostilities persist. “If the United States is ready to reopen Hormuz, that is very good – that is what we have been asking for from the start,” he said. “But we are not going to participate in any kind of military operation within a framework that does not seem clear to me.” The Franco-British plan has already begun military planning discussions in London, with Paris and London stressing the mission is designed to be “neutral” and “distinct from the belligerents.”

Tensions in the region have surged since Feb. 28, when the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran. Washington enforced a naval blockade targeting Iranian maritime traffic starting April 13. A two-week ceasefire was announced on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, followed by talks in Islamabad on April 11, but negotiations failed to produce a lasting agreement. Trump later extended the truce at Pakistan’s request without announcing a new deadline.