More than 15 countries are planning to facilitate the resumption of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz following the announcement of a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday.
Speaking at the beginning of a defence meeting with advisers and members of his cabinet, Macron said the initiative would focus on enabling the safe movement of ships through the strategic waterway, which normally carries around one fifth of the world’s oil supply.
International planning under French leadership
Macron said that around 15 countries are currently mobilised and participating in the planning of the initiative under France’s leadership.
According to the French president, the mission will be strictly defensive and will be coordinated with Iran to support the resumption of shipping traffic.
“About 15 countries are currently mobilised and are participating in the planning, under France’s leadership, to enable the implementation of this strictly defensive mission in coordination with Iran to facilitate the resumption of traffic,” Macron said.
Concerns over Lebanon
While welcoming the ceasefire between Iran and the United States, Macron also warned that the situation in Lebanon remains critical.
He called for Lebanon to be included in the arrangements surrounding the ceasefire agreement.
“Our wish in this context is to be assured that the ceasefire fully includes Lebanon,” Macron said.
France maintains close historical and political ties with Lebanon, which was previously under French mandate.