French President Emmanuel Macron called on the parties to the conflict in the Middle East to halt hostilities and sit down at the negotiating table, while respecting the interests of the countries in the region.

“I will speak with the President of Iran. However, France has had the same position from the outset. We call for an end to all military operations and for diplomatic negotiations to begin, while respecting the interests of all countries in the region. Yes, the Strait of Hormuz must be open to all ships, without any fees or restrictive measures. Any escalation against any country or vessel is a mistake; it leads to an even greater increase in tensions,” said the President of France at a joint press conference with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, when asked by a French reporter on the matter.

Addressing a question about US President Donald Trump’s statements on increasing tariffs on the EU, Macron said:

“We want fair and free trade based on rules and agreements. Signed agreements must be respected. If they are called into question, or if any country issues threats, then the EU must respond. Yes, everything is on the table, and I believe that in this geopolitical period, allies such as the United States and the EU have other things to do than try to destabilize the situation. Our companies, our families, and our societies need a message of stability and trust. Everything is on the table, but let us hope that reason will return so that everything can remain in harmony.”