Paris, France – Amid the escalating military tensions in the Gulf region, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot issued an urgent appeal to both the United States and Iran for restraint. He stressed that both sides have a shared strategic interest “in avoiding further escalation, which will only create losers.”
Paris warns of economic consequences
During his remarks on BFMTV-RMC this morning, Monday, July 13, 2026, the French minister stressed that “no one benefits from a resumption of war.” He warned of the global repercussions of any open conflict, particularly on fuel prices. Barrot pointed out that the world has previously witnessed how a relative lull in hostilities led to lower energy prices. However, he emphasized that this benefit could be lost in the event of a large-scale conflict.
Calls for a return to the ceasefire agreement
Jean-Noël Barrot called on Washington and Tehran to “respect” the commitments reached last June. He also expressed regret over US President Donald Trump’s announcement on July 8 that the ceasefire was “over.” The minister stressed that a return to the negotiating protocol had become “absolutely essential” in light of the exchange of fire in the Strait of Hormuz. He also affirmed that “French bases in the region are safe.”
The Strait of Hormuz crisis and military capabilities
While accounts differ between Iran’s announcement of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the United States’ insistence that it remains open, the French Foreign Minister acknowledged the difficulty of envisioning a resumption of maritime traffic given the current high level of tension.
He explained that the French military had deployed assets to the region “peacefully,” with the aim of facilitating the return of navigation and securing the vital waterway. He also called on the Iranian side to guarantee the security of the strait and reopen it to international trade.
No lifting of European sanctions
On the political front, Barrow dismissed any speculation about a breakthrough in European-Iranian relations. He affirmed that “European sanctions will not be lifted” at present. The minister also laid down strict conditions for any change in the European position, most notably Tehran’s abandonment of its nuclear program and the end of its “revolutionary project” that destabilizes the region. Furthermore, he demanded a halt to the development of its ballistic missile program, which Barrow considered a potential threat to the security of the European continent in the future.
