10.04.2026 19:13
After the two-week ceasefire reached between the US and Iran, attention has turned to the negotiation process and the Strait of Hormuz, which is central to global energy trade. In the shadow of the possibility of renewed attacks, countries have decided to take action. It has emerged that around 20 countries are working on a plan to escort ships passing through Hormuz.
French Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin evaluated the temporary ceasefire between the US and Iran and the situation in the Strait of Hormuz in statements made to the French LCI channel.
“FREEDOM OF NAVIGATION IN HORMUZ IS DEFINITELY AN INDISPENSABLE POINT THAT WE MUST DEFEND”
Vautrin stated, “Today, there is an extremely fragile ceasefire. This ceasefire must become a reality to pave the way for peace.” She expressed that the dramatic situation in Lebanon has caused them great concern.
Vautrin noted that French President Emmanuel Macron is in communication with all actors in the region, adding that he has also visited Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during this process.
Indicating that a diplomatic solution can be reached in the region, Vautrin said, "The Strait of Hormuz accounts for 20% of world trade. It is an important issue. Freedom of navigation is definitely an indispensable point that we must defend."
20 COUNTRIES AT THE TABLE FOR HORMUZ
Vautrin conveyed that since the first day of the war, which began with the attacks of the US and Israel on Iran, Macron has emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation and stated that the path of diplomacy should be preferred to bring concrete solutions. Vautrin also stressed that diplomatic negotiations on this issue should be conducted with all relevant countries.
Regarding the issue of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, Vautrin said, "There is a planning initiative by France. About 20 countries are working on this planning to see how we can have the capacities to escort ships into the strait if necessary."
TEMPORARY CEASEFIRE BETWEEN THE US AND IRAN INCLUDING ISRAEL
After the attacks initiated by the US and Israel on Iran on February 28, which turned into a war with Iran's retaliations and attacks on some regional countries, US President Donald Trump announced on April 8 around 01:30 that he accepted the ceasefire.
Trump stated that they accepted a two-week ceasefire on the condition of the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, that they received a 10-point proposal from Iran, and that this serves as a viable basis for negotiations.
The Iranian National Security High Council, which stated that "Iran has achieved its objectives in the war," also reported that the final negotiations are aimed to be concluded in Islamabad within a maximum of 15 days.
Turkey, Pakistan, and Egypt have made intense efforts for the continuation and resolution of the message exchange between the US and Iran.
The Israeli administration, which announced its support for the temporary ceasefire, continues its attacks on Lebanon, arguing that the issue of Lebanon is not included in the agreement.