France says Iran ‘fundamentally responsible’ for regional tensions, calls for defensive maritime mission

France said Thursday that Iran is “fundamentally responsible” for regional instability due to its missile and nuclear programs, while calling for a European-led defensive maritime mission to ensure safe passage in key waterways.

“Iran is fundamentally responsible for the situation, due to its ballistic missile and nuclear programmes,” French Foreign Ministry spokesman Pascal Confavreux told CNews.

France proposed a defensive mission involving European, regional and other states to support insurers and operators and ensure safe passage through the Strait, Confavreux said.

“This must not involve force, as that would increase conflict and risk making us co-belligerents,” he said.

On Lebanon, he said France remains engaged politically, militarily and humanitarianly, including support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and contacts with Israel.

“There would be no ceasefire without France and the US,” he said, adding that France supports efforts to prevent further escalation.

On Palestine, he said recognition efforts were aimed at preserving the two-state solution and enabling future elections and legitimate governance.

He also said political violence “has no place in democracies” and must be rejected “everywhere, regardless of country.”

On relations with Washington, he said France and the US remain close allies despite occasional disagreements on issues including Ukraine and European strategic autonomy.