France backs US-Iran deal on Strait of Hormuz — Macron

YEREVAN, May 4. /TASS/. France welcomes US efforts to clear the Strait of Hormuz for shipping but expects Washington and Tehran to agree on its complete reopening, President Emmanuel Macron said upon arriving at the European Political Community (EPC) summit. "If the United States wants to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or is prepared to help ensure its reopening, that is a positive step - this is what we have been calling for from the very beginning," Macron said at a meeting of European leaders in Armenia. He said he is unaware of the details of the US initiative on the Strait of Hormuz. Macron added that after the US-Iran ceasefire took effect, he spoke with both countries’ leaders and discussed the European naval mission in the strait with representatives from several nations on Friday. "On that same day, the United States announced the imposition of a naval blockade," the president noted. Macron highlighted that France and its allies "are not going to take part in any military operation in a framework that seems unclear to me." "Above all, we want the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to be agreed between Iran and the United States," he added. On Sunday, US President Donald Trump said that Monday morning Middle Eastern time, the US would launch operation Project Freedom to escort vessels trapped in the Strait of Hormuz due to the military conflict. According to Trump, the operation will focus on safely clearing ships from the strait. He also warned: "If, in any way, this Humanitarian process is interfered with, that interference will, unfortunately, have to be dealt with forcefully."