France’s Macron Urges Iran, US to De-Escalate Amid Hormuz Tensions

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday called for the United States and Iran to de-escalate amid increased tensions over the weekend over the Strait of Hormuz. “Our position remains the same. We need ‌to settle ‌things through diplomacy. ‌Everyone must ⁠calm down,” Macron ⁠said during a joint press conference with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The United States has maintained its blockade ⁠of Iranian ports, while Iran ‌lifted ‌and then reimposed its ‌own blockade on the Strait ‌of Hormuz, through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied gas supply ‌usually passes. Macron also said that France was ⁠not ⁠specifically targeted in the strait after Iran fired shots on ships on Saturday, including a container ship belonging to the CMA CGM. CMA CGM had described them as “warning shots” and said at the time the crew was safe.