French President Emmanuel Macron announced that about 15 countries are preparing to facilitate the resumption of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply flows, following a ceasefire between the United States and Iran.
"About 15 countries are currently mobilised and are participating in the planning, under France's leadership, to enable the implementation of this strictly defensive mission in coordination with Iran to facilitate the resumption of traffic," Macron said on April 8, speaking at the start of his meeting on defence with advisers and members of his cabinet, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.
Macron welcomed the ceasefire but noted that the situation in Lebanon remains critical and stressed that the country should be included in the agreement. France maintains close ties with Lebanon, a former protectorate.
"Our wish in this context is to be assured that the ceasefire fully includes Lebanon," he said.
By Sabina Mammadli
