Macron says Europe building own security, won’t join Hormuz operation under ‘unclear framework’
President Emmanuel Macron said Europe is building “its own security solutions” and will not participate in operations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz under what he called an “unclear framework.” He reiterated calls for a negotiated reopening without restrictions or tolls, adding that France would not join force-based actions outside a clear US-led or UN mandate.
French President Emmanuel Macron declared on Monday that Europe is developing its own security architecture and will not take part in any military operation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz under an “unclear framework.” Speaking at the 8th Meeting of the European Political Community in Yerevan, Armenia, Macron said: “Europeans are building our security solutions … Europeans are taking their destiny into their own hands, increasing defense and security spending and building common solutions.” He noted that European security policy has been shaped since 2022 through the European Political Community, support for Ukraine, and ad hoc efforts related to Hormuz.
Conditions for reopening
Macron said France supports reopening the strait but stressed that Paris would not participate in any force-based operations without a clear mandate. “If the United States is ready to reopen Hormuz, that is very good. That is what we have been asking for from the beginning,” he said. He added that France favors a coordinated reopening between Iran and the United States as the only sustainable solution to ensure free navigation “without restrictions and without tolls.” He also underlined the importance of respecting the ceasefire in Lebanon and urged all parties to uphold their commitments.
Regional context
Tensions have surged since Feb. 28, when the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran, prompting Iranian retaliation against Israeli targets and US allies in the Gulf. Since April 13, Washington has enforced a naval blockade targeting Iranian maritime traffic. A Pakistan-mediated two-week ceasefire was announced on April 8, followed by talks in Islamabad on April 11, but no lasting agreement was reached.
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