About 15 countries are preparing to facilitate the resumption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz following a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday.
Macron said the coordinated effort is aimed at enabling safe maritime traffic through the strategic waterway, which typically carries around a fifth of global oil supplies.
France leading defensive coordination effort
Speaking at a meeting of France’s defense and security council, Macron said the initiative involves international planning under French leadership.
He described the mission as “strictly defensive,” adding that it would be coordinated with Iran to support the resumption of commercial shipping through the strait.
Lebanon included in regional concerns
Macron also welcomed the ceasefire but said the situation in Lebanon remained fragile.
He stressed that France’s objective is to ensure that any broader agreement takes Lebanon into account, noting the country’s importance in regional stability.
France maintains long-standing political and historical ties with Lebanon.
EU leaders welcome ceasefire
European Union leaders also welcomed the ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, calling it an important step toward de-escalation.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the pause in hostilities should help create space for negotiations toward a more lasting settlement.
European Council President António Costa urged all parties to respect the terms of the agreement.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the deal represented a step back from escalation and could help restart shipping and diplomatic efforts.
Ceasefire follows deadline pressure
The announcement of the ceasefire by U.S. President Donald Trump came shortly before a deadline he had set for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face further consequences.
Trump had earlier issued a stark warning about the potential scale of escalation before agreeing to the two-week truce.
