Yerevan/Paris/Tehran, May 4 (EFE).- French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday called for a coordinated US-Iran agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran warned it would target vessels crossing the waterway without its authorization, heightening tensions after Washington announced a major military escort operation.
Speaking on arrival in Armenia for the European Political Community summit, Macron said any lasting reopening of the strait must be based on a negotiated understanding between Washington and Tehran, and voiced doubts about the clarity of the US plan to unblock the route.
His remarks came hours after Iran’s military issued a stark warning that any vessel, including American ships, attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz without prior authorization could be attacked.
“We warn that any foreign armed force, especially the aggressive US military, will be targeted if it approaches or enters the Strait,” said Major General Ali Abdolahi, commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Joint Operations Command.
Iranian authorities also urged commercial ships and oil tankers to refrain from crossing the strategic passage without coordination with Iranian forces, warning that their safety could otherwise be at risk.
Abdolahi added that any US attempt to alter the current situation would further escalate tensions.
The warnings follow US President Donald Trump’s announcement of “Project Freedom,” a military operation involving more than 100 aircraft, naval destroyers, drones and around 15,000 personnel aimed at escorting and freeing vessels stranded by Iran’s blockade.
According to Washington, the mission, set to begin Monday, responds to requests from multiple countries seeking to secure maritime routes through the strait.
Iran, however, has framed the move as a provocation amid what it describes as a dual blockade: Tehran restricting passage in response to US and Israeli airstrikes launched on Feb 28, and the United States intercepting vessels traveling to and from Iranian ports.
Macron also addressed the situation in Lebanon, stressing the need to preserve the ceasefire despite recent Israeli airstrikes and underscoring that respect for the truce is essential to the country’s sovereignty, independence and the protection of civilians.
“It is essential to maintain the cessation of hostilities,” he said.
The French leader spoke at the European Political Community summit in Yerevan, a forum he launched that brings together nearly all European countries, excluding Russia and Belarus, along with Canada as a guest. EFE
The summit is being held at the Karen Demirchyan Complex in Yerevan, which brings together representatives from 48 European countries, along with Canada as a guest. EFE
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