Use Of Military Operation To ‘Liberate’ Strait Of Hormuz ‘Unrealistic’, Says Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron, on Thursday, dismissed calls for a military operation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, describing such an approach as “unrealistic”, expressing frustration at US President Donald Trump’s alternating statements on the Iran war.

Speaking from South Korea, Macron cautioned against proposals, sometimes attributed to the United States, for the use of force to secure the vital oil transit route.

“There are those who advocate for the liberation of the Strait of Hormuz by force through a military operation, a position sometimes expressed by the United States,” Macron said.

“I say sometimes because it has varied, it is never the option we have chosen and we consider it unrealistic,” he added.

The French leader warned that any such operation would be complex and dangerous, citing the strategic capabilities of Iranian forces.

“It is unrealistic because it would take an inordinate amount of time and would expose anyone crossing the strait to coastal threats from the (Iranian) Revolutionary Guards, who possess significant resources, as well as ballistic missiles, (and) a host of other risks,” he said.

Macron stressed that a sustainable solution to the crisis would require diplomatic engagement rather than military escalation.

“This can only be done in concert with Iran. So, first and foremost, there must be a ceasefire and a resumption of negotiations,” he said.

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping corridor for crude oil, has been largely paralysed in recent weeks due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, raising concerns over global energy supplies.

Macron also took aim at US President Trump, accusing him of sending inconsistent signals on the conflict.

“You have to be serious. When you want to be serious, you don’t say the opposite every day of what you said the day before. And perhaps you shouldn’t talk every day,” Macron said.
AFP