Macron: France Will Not Join U.S. Operations in the Strait of Hormuz
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that France will not participate in any U.S. operation aimed at rescuing vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz.
On May 3, U.S. President Trump announced on social media that the United States would launch a plan called "Operation Freedom" on the morning of the 4th in the Middle East to rescue ships trapped in the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. Central Command released a statement saying military support for "Operation Freedom" would include missile destroyers, over 100 sorties of land- and sea-based aircraft, multiple domain unmanned platforms, and 15,000 active-duty personnel.
At the European Political Community Summit, Macron said France would not join any military action.
Macron urged the United States and Iran to engage in negotiations to open the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized that only with aligned positions between Tehran and Washington could stable resumption of maritime traffic through the strait be ensured.
On February 28, the United States and Israel conducted multiple strikes against targets inside Iran, including an attack on Tehran, causing damage and civilian casualties. In response, Iran carried out retaliatory missile strikes on Israeli territory and U.S. military targets in the Middle East.
On April 8, Washington and Tehran announced a two-week ceasefire, but subsequent talks held in Islamabad ended without results. There has been no news of renewed hostilities so far, but the U.S. has begun blocking Iranian ports. Mediators are attempting to facilitate a new round of negotiations.
Source: sputniknews
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1864247182855435/
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