French Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Pascal Confavreux reacted to the escalation of the confrontation between the United States and Iran in the last few hours, despite the ceasefire that has been in effect for almost a month.

Fires were reported in the context of the announcement of a US operation to escort commercial vessels trapped, due to the war, in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway that both Tehran and Washington are blocking.

Confavreux told Franceinfo, “If we want to see a lasting solution to restore freedom of navigation, concerted action between the United States and Iran is needed; diplomacy must prevail over the use of force.”

The spokesperson also insisted that France is not a part to the war, although it will continue to fulfill its defense commitments to countries in the region.

The United States and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, and the Iranian nation retaliated with attacks on Washington’s allies and the selective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, where 21 percent of the world’s oil production passed daily before the conflict.

jdt/iff/lam/wmr