French President Emmanuel Macron said reopening the Strait of Hormuz is an “absolute priority” and should be addressed before other issues in negotiations between Iran and the United States. Speaking to French media, Macron said France would take the initiative at the United Nations to help ensure security in the Strait of Hormuz and called for the establishment of an international framework to protect the strategic waterway. He also stressed the need for a neutral and peaceful mission to secure the maritime route, saying Tehran and Washington should separate the issue of the Strait of Hormuz from other regional crises. The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the world’s most important energy transit routes, and continuing restrictions in the area in recent weeks have contributed to rising global oil and fuel prices.
