The need to reach a strong and lasting diplomatic agreement to end tensions in the Middle East was underlined today by Emmanuel Macron, while announcing an initiative by France and the United Kingdom to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

In a post on “X”, the French president stressed that every effort should be made to reach a stable and long-term settlement of the Middle East conflict through diplomatic means as soon as possible.

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.…

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 13, 2026

The French president stressed that such an agreement should form a strong security framework for the entire region, which would allow all states to coexist in peace and stability. As he said, achieving a viable solution requires addressing all key issues, including Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programme, the actions causing destabilisation in the region, and the need for the rapid restoration of free and unhindered navigation in the Straits of Hormuz.

At the same time, Macron stressed the need to return Lebanon to a path of peace, with full respect for its sovereignty and territorial integrity, stressing that France remains ready to actively contribute to any initiative aimed at de-escalating the crisis, as it has done “since the first day of the conflict.”

Specifically on the Strait of Hormuz, the French president announced that in the coming days, France and the United Kingdom will organize a conference with countries willing to participate in a peaceful multinational mission aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the region.

According to Macron, the mission will be strictly defensive in nature and will operate independently of the warring sides, to deploy as soon as conditions allow.