Macron says US blockade and Iran response are ‘mistake on both sides’

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday condemned the recent escalation in the Persian Gulf, stating that the US decision to keep a naval blockade in place and Iran’s subsequent reversal of its “open strait” policy represent a “mistake on both sides.” Speaking at a joint press conference in Gdansk, Poland, alongside Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Macron expressed concern over the fragile maritime situation.

Return to ‘Friday decisions’

“It is likely that, following the US decision to maintain a targeted blockade on Hormuz — affecting all those with ties to Iran — the Iranian authorities have changed their initial position,” Macron said. “I believe this is a mistake on both sides.” He emphasized that the international community must return to the “Friday decisions” — a short-lived diplomatic breakthrough that briefly reopened the waterway — and settle everything through diplomacy. “Everyone must return to calm,” he added.

Russia benefits from chaos

Macron called for a “lasting peace through negotiations on nuclear and ballistic missile issues” rather than military pressure. Tusk echoed the call for de-escalation, warning that Russia is the primary beneficiary of regional chaos. “There is one obvious winner in this war: Putin,” Tusk said, noting that high oil prices and diverted Western attention serve Moscow’s interests. Macron urged an international “defensive” mission to ensure the unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for global energy security.