Macron: Unrealistic to open Hormuz by force

STRAIT TALK | Around 40 countries, including India, discuss joint steps to restore navigation and counter Iran’s blockade

Agencies LONDON/PARIS

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday said reopening the Strait of Hormuz through military action was “unrealistic”, as around 40 countries discussed joint steps to restore navigation and counter Iran’s blockade.

UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said Iran’s “recklessness” in blocking the strait was “hitting our global economic security” during a virtual meeting involving France, Germany, Canada, India and the UAE. India was represented by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, while the US stayed away.

“There are people who advocate the idea of the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz by force, through a military operation, a position that has at times been expr­essed by the US,” Macron said during a visit to South Korea. “That has never been the option we have chosen, and we consider it unrealistic.” 

He warned a military operation “would take an infinite amount of time” and expose vessels to threats from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, including ballistic missiles. “The reopening… can only be done in coordination with Iran,” he said, via negotiations after a potential ceasefire.

The UK-led talks followed remarks by Donald Trump that the strait could open “naturally” and countries reliant on it should ensure its security. European diplomats said the coalition effort, led by Britain and France, remains at an early stage. 

French Armed Forces spokesperson Guillaume Vernet said any plan would be multi-phased and hinge on de-escalation. A key focus is restoring shipowner confidence to resume transit and reduce soaring insurance premiums.

India safe, says Iran

“Our Indian friends are in safe hands, no worries,” the Iranian embassy in Delhi said in a post on X. “Only Iran and Oman will decide the future of the Strait of Hormuz,” it said.

‘What more to achieve?’

Australian PM Anthony Albanese said on Thursday that the original aims of the Iran war had been met and “it is not clear what more needs to be achieved”. “What is clear is that the longer the war goes on the more significant the impact on the global economy will be.”