“No effort must be spared to swiftly reach, through diplomatic means, a strong and lasting settlement to the conflict in the Middle East.”

Such a settlement must provide the region with a robust framework enabling all to live in peace and security.

To that end, all the core issues must be addressed through lasting solutions, whether with regard to Iran’s nuclear and ballistic activities, its destabilizing actions in the region, the need to restore free and unimpeded navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as quickly as possible, as well as the need to ensure that Lebanon returns to the path of peace in full respect of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

France stands ready to play its full part, as it has consistently sought to do since the very first day of the conflict.

As regards the Strait of Hormuz, in the coming days, together with the United Kingdom, we will organize a conference with those countries prepared to contribute alongside us to a peaceful multinational mission aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the strait. This strictly defensive mission, separate from the warring parties to the conflict, is intended to be deployed as soon as circumstances permit.