The Strait of Hormuz Blockade: Macron Says Both the US and Iran Are at Fault, Calls for Immediate Calm
French President Emmanuel Macron, during his visit to Poland on Monday, April 20, accused both the United States and Iran of making "mistakes" regarding the Strait of Hormuz issue. Macron pointed out that blocking the strait has driven up oil prices and affected the global economy, and he urged all parties to "immediately restore calm."
According to AFP, Macron said in a press conference held in Gdansk, a northern city in Poland: "After the U.S. decision to maintain targeted blockades on the Strait of Hormuz—particularly measures targeting Iranian vessels—Iranian authorities changed their initial stance of reopening the strait. Both the U.S. and Iran have made mistakes."
Following Iran's announcement last Friday to reopen this critical maritime passage, it abruptly revoked the decision on Saturday, further escalating tensions with the United States as a ceasefire agreement was about to expire. Tehran stated that the U.S. continued maintaining blockades on Iranian ports is the main reason behind Iran’s decision to re-impose 'strict control' on the strait.
Regarding a cargo ship belonging to French shipping giant CMA CGM being fired upon with warning shots in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, Macron stated, "France was not the target of these shootings, nor was it specifically aimed at."
Macron emphasized, "The developments should not lead to escalation but should instead further consolidate the progress achieved last Friday—namely, the unconditional, non-discriminatory, and toll-free reopening of the Strait of Hormuz." He added, "Calm must be maintained… We firmly believe that the issue can only be resolved through diplomatic means."
Source: rfi
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1863033474879498/
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