Conflict in the Middle East: Emmanuel Macron stresses the need to respect the ceasefire and to reopen the Strait of Hormuz

In a message posted on his X account on Saturday, April 11, Emmanuel Macron reiterated the importance of finding a peace agreement in the Middle East, respecting the ceasefire, including in Lebanon, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Since the start of the war in the Middle East, triggered by American-Israeli bombings on Tehran on February 28 that led to the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Macron has taken on a mediator role in the conflict. After discussions with Iranian President Massoud Pezechkian on April 8, following a last-minute ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, the two heads of state communicated again on Saturday, April 11.

As negotiations began in Islamabad under Pakistan’s leadership, Macron wrote on his X account just before 7:00 PM: “I asked him to take advantage of the opportunity offered by the discussions in Islamabad to pave the way for a sustainable reduction of tensions and the conclusion of a precise and binding agreement that, with the participation of all concerned countries, would ensure strong assurances for the region’s security.”

He added: “I emphasized that Iran must quickly restore freedom and security of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz; France is ready to contribute. I also stressed the importance of full compliance with the ceasefire, including in Lebanon.” However, after 21 hours of talks, US Vice President JD Vance announced his departure from Islamabad due to the negotiations’ failure. According to him, the Islamic Republic made no “firm promises” regarding nuclear disarmament. Iran, on the other hand, accuses the US of making “unreasonable demands.”

“Deciding the fate of Lebanon”

Nonetheless, Iranians received a proposal from the US, hinting at the possibility of new diplomatic exchanges in the coming days. Regarding Lebanon, Macron stated: “France strongly supports the actions of Lebanese authorities, who are the only legitimate authority to exercise state sovereignty and decide the fate of Lebanon.” Direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon will begin in Washington on Tuesday, April 14, under the US’s guidance. Israel has exercised its veto to oppose France’s presence at the negotiation table.

Published on April 12 at 08:33 by Enora Foricher, 6Médias