Macron Cautions That Military Action Is ‘Unrealistic’ For Reopening The Strait Of Hormuz
Macron cautions that military intervention will not restore access to the Strait of Hormuz, advocating for diplomatic efforts with Iran in light of rising global energy and security challenges.
French President Emmanuel Macron has cautioned that employing military force to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is “unrealistic,” advocating for a diplomatic strategy that includes direct engagement with Iran to address the growing crisis.
While addressing reporters during his visit to Seoul on Thursday, Macron rejected the possibility of military intervention, highlighting the risks and uncertainties that such an operation would involve.
“We have never opted for military action, and we believe it to be unrealistic,” Macron stated. “Reopening this strait is essential for energy, fertilizers, and international trade, but it must be achieved through consultation with Iran.”
Macron stressed that trying to force the reopening of this important waterway could put the countries involved at great risk from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which might use ballistic missiles, and this situation could go on for a long time without a positive result.
He presented a diplomatic approach to reducing tensions, starting with a ceasefire, then moving on to renewed negotiations and reassurance missions focused on safeguarding shipping in the area.
“The world cannot sustain a scenario in which Iran is empowered to open or close the strait at a moment’s notice,” Macron stated.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for approximately 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas exports, has emerged as a focal point in the intensifying Middle East conflict, with disruptions in shipping causing significant ripples in global energy markets.
Macron’s remarks arrive alongside intensified statements from Donald Trump, who declared in a social media post that the United States is “blasting Iran into oblivion” until the strait is reopened, indicating a significantly more confrontational position from Washington.
The French leader also warned that military action would not address the wider issues surrounding Iran’s nuclear program, emphasizing that without ongoing diplomatic efforts, any short-term successes could easily fall apart.
“A focused military operation, even if it spans several weeks, cannot address the nuclear issue in the long run,” Macron stated. “Without a diplomatic and technical negotiation framework, the situation may worsen once more in a matter of months or years.”
He also referred to previous statements suggesting that Iran’s nuclear capabilities had been neutralized, raising questions about the validity of those claims.
“I want to remind you that six months ago, we were informed that everything had been destroyed, that everything was settled and concluded,” Macron stated.
