France rejects any possible NATO role in securing the Strait of Hormuz, insisting that the alliance’s mandate does not extend to the Middle East, the Foreign Ministry spokesman said Thursday, Anadolu reports.

During a press conference, Pascal Confavreux said Paris opposes NATO’s involvement in operations aimed at securing navigation in this strategic seaway, following Iran’s actions. in the Strait of Hormuz.

“Our position is clear and consistent: The North Atlantic Treaty applies to the North Atlantic; it is neither the mission nor the competence of the alliance for an issue in the Middle East and Hormuz,” Confavreux said.

The statements came two days after NATO’s supreme commander in Europe, General Alexus Grynkewich, said the alliance was “considering” a possible contribution to maritime security efforts in the Strait of Hormuz, although he stressed that “there is still no planning”.

France reiterated that it remains involved in a multinational mission aimed at securing “peacefully” maritime navigation in this strait, a key global route for energy.

Regarding Lebanon, Confavreux condemned the continued violations of the ceasefire agreement by both sides, Hezbollah and Israel, especially in the south of Lebanon.

“The violations are unacceptable. They must stop. We call on all parties to protect and respect civilians,” Confavreux said.

He added that their priority is to ensure that the ceasefire is “strengthened” to allow “direct negotiations” between Israel and Lebanon, describing it as a “historic opportunity”.

Source: prizrenpost