Over 15 countries plan to aid strait access: Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron said more than a dozen countries plan to facilitate the resumption of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz after a ceasefire was declared between the United States and Iran.

“About 15 countries have now taken action and are participating in planning to ensure the implementation of this strict defense mission, under the leadership of France, in coordination with Iran to facilitate the resumption of traffic,” Macron said at the start of a meeting on defense with advisers and cabinet members on Wednesday. he said.

One-fifth of the world’s oil supply usually passes through the strait, which has been effectively closed since the US and Israel attacked Iran in February.

Macron welcomed the ceasefire, but added that the situation in Lebanon remains critical and called for Lebanon to be included in the agreement.

Lebanon became the front of the war after Iran-linked Hezbollah attacked Israel in solidarity with Tehran.

More than 1,500 people have since been killed and many more displaced in Israel’s air and ground offensive against Lebanon.

France maintains close ties with Lebanon, a former protectorate.

Macron said, “In this context, our wish is to ensure that the ceasefire completely covers Lebanon.”