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France Dismisses Iran Sanctions Relief as Hormuz Remains Blocked
(MENAFN) France will not countenance easing any sanctions on Iran for as long as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed to international navigation, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot declared Thursday, drawing a firm line in the global standoff over one of the world's most strategically vital waterways.
Speaking to a French broadcaster, Barrot made clear that existing European pressure on Tehran would hold regardless of diplomatic movement elsewhere:
"We ourselves have imposed significant sanctions on Iran. But it is out of the question that any sanction whatsoever be lifted as long as a strait such as the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked."
The minister framed the reopening of the strait as an immediate imperative, calling it a "common good of humanity" that transcends the interests of any single nation or bloc.
"It cannot be blocked, subjected to tolls or used as leverage or blackmail," Barrot added.
Broadening his remarks into a sweeping call for European strategic autonomy, Barrot argued that the crisis laid bare the continent's dangerous dependence on foreign energy and technology: "That is why we must focus on (...) how Europe can rid itself of all these dependencies on hydrocarbons and oil — no longer being dependent on oil, no longer being dependent on digital technologies; in short, no longer being dependent on things that, in one way or another, draw us into conflicts, disasters, and crises in which we are not participants."
Barrot also condemned the recent strike on a vessel operated by French shipping conglomerate CMA CGM, along with attacks on other ships and energy installations in the UAE allegedly carried out by Iran, labelling them "unacceptable and condemnable."
"All attacks on civilian infrastructure are condemnable," he said.
The minister moved to clarify the precise nature of France's exposure in the CMA CGM incident, noting that national liability was indirect at best.
"It is not strictly speaking a French ship, as it was sailing under the Maltese flag and its crew was Filipino."
Speaking to a French broadcaster, Barrot made clear that existing European pressure on Tehran would hold regardless of diplomatic movement elsewhere:
"We ourselves have imposed significant sanctions on Iran. But it is out of the question that any sanction whatsoever be lifted as long as a strait such as the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked."
The minister framed the reopening of the strait as an immediate imperative, calling it a "common good of humanity" that transcends the interests of any single nation or bloc.
"It cannot be blocked, subjected to tolls or used as leverage or blackmail," Barrot added.
Broadening his remarks into a sweeping call for European strategic autonomy, Barrot argued that the crisis laid bare the continent's dangerous dependence on foreign energy and technology: "That is why we must focus on (...) how Europe can rid itself of all these dependencies on hydrocarbons and oil — no longer being dependent on oil, no longer being dependent on digital technologies; in short, no longer being dependent on things that, in one way or another, draw us into conflicts, disasters, and crises in which we are not participants."
Barrot also condemned the recent strike on a vessel operated by French shipping conglomerate CMA CGM, along with attacks on other ships and energy installations in the UAE allegedly carried out by Iran, labelling them "unacceptable and condemnable."
"All attacks on civilian infrastructure are condemnable," he said.
The minister moved to clarify the precise nature of France's exposure in the CMA CGM incident, noting that national liability was indirect at best.
"It is not strictly speaking a French ship, as it was sailing under the Maltese flag and its crew was Filipino."
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