Qatar and France Call for Freedom of Navigation in Hormuz and Condemn Iranian Attacks

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and French President Emmanuel Macron issued a joint statement on Wednesday calling for the restoration of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz without restrictions or fees, following talks held in Doha.

The two leaders condemned Iranian military attacks on regional countries in the statement, describing them as a flagrant violation of international law.

Qatari mediator Ibrahim bin Sultan Al Hashimi had announced on Tuesday that diplomatic efforts to ease tensions and reopen the strait are ongoing, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Wednesday that Iran is prepared to give diplomacy another chance.

On Gaza, the two leaders called for Israeli forces' withdrawal in accordance with agreed arrangements, and for the delivery of humanitarian aid urgently and safely without conditions or restrictions. The United Nations World Food Programme indicated that approximately 1.4 million people in Gaza—roughly two-thirds of the population—suffer from acute food insecurity.

Both countries also affirmed their opposition to any annexation of the West Bank, and called for an end to Israeli settlement policies and settler violence.

Regarding Lebanon, both countries supported the full implementation of the tripartite framework agreement aimed at restoring Lebanese sovereignty, disarming Hezbollah, and complete Israeli withdrawal, warning against any security vacuum following the end of the UN peacekeeping mission's mandate, and calling for the continuation of international support to Lebanese authorities and armed forces.

Both countries announced their readiness to support efforts for stability and economic recovery in Syria in coordination with Syrian authorities.

Macron's regional tour, in addition to Qatar, included Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia.