France Calls for Immediate Opening of the Strait of Hormuz and Announces Readiness to Defend Saudi Arabia from Riyadh

Ceasefire: From Iran to Lebanon

The French Foreign Ministry emphasized in its statement today, Thursday, that the discussions focused on the necessity of strengthening and stabilizing a "ceasefire" in both Iran and Lebanon. The French minister confirmed that Paris believes that any sustainable stability in the region must include a comprehensive cessation of hostilities on all fronts, warning against Lebanon becoming a "secondary theater" for the ongoing war, and calling for the fragile truce that began in early April to be transformed into lasting peace.

Defensive Solidarity with the Kingdom

In a strong reassuring message to the Saudi side, Jean-Noël Barrot reiterated France's full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, confirming his country's readiness to actively contribute to defending its security and sovereignty against any regional threats. These statements come at a time when Paris is seeking to enhance its defense partnerships with Gulf countries and coordinate efforts to repel the drone and missile attacks that have recently occurred in the region.

Strait of Hormuz: Call for Unconditional Opening

In light of the maritime blockade imposed by Washington and its economic repercussions, France issued a clear and direct call today, Thursday, for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz without any preconditions. The French Foreign Ministry considered that freedom of navigation in the strait is a red line that cannot be crossed, warning that the continued closure disrupts global energy supplies and threatens international food security, which aligns with the UN warnings issued by Guterres today as well.

International Coordination for a Maritime Mission

Barrot's visit to Riyadh is part of a Gulf tour aimed at coordinating an international maritime initiative (in cooperation with London) involving more than 50 countries to protect trade in the Strait of Hormuz. While the U.S. Secretary of Defense in Washington pushes for military options, Paris is trying through Riyadh to build a "European-Gulf security approach" that balances military deterrence with opening diplomatic channels to lift the blockade and secure the seas.