French President Emmanuel Macron categorically ruled out French involvement in any potential operation to open the narrow waterway in the Persian Gulf, declaring that France, “under the conditions that exist today will never take part in operations to open the Strait of Hormuz”.
Referring to the war in the Middle East, Macron said France “did not choose this war,” stressing that its stance is purely defensive, aimed at protecting its citizens and supporting its allies.
He nevertheless expressed hope that security and freedom of navigation in the region will be restored.
Fidan-Lavrov call for war to end
Meanwhile, Turkish media reported that Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held a telephone conversation with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, with the main topic being the American and Israeli attacks against Iran, as well as broader regional and international developments.
According to the reports, both ministers underlined the need to end the war at a time when tensions in the Middle East continue to cause international concern.
AKP spokesperson slams neighbours and EU
Following a meeting of the Justice and Development Party’s Central Committee, AKP spokesperson Ömer Çelik had plenty to say about Turkey’s neighbours as well as the EU. Firstly, he directed his ire towards Greece over the militarisation of Greek islands – a reference to the Patriot air defence systems sent by Athens in response to the ongoing conflict in the region.
Speaking at a press conference, Çelik argued that the militarisation of islands that have a demilitarised status is “wrong”. He also claimed that cooperation between the Republic of Cyprus and Israel “produces instability” in the region.
Referrring to the naval and air defence assets sent to assist Cyprus, he said: “Now certain EU countries are saying that, in order to protect the security of the Greek Cypriot side, they will send warships there or increase their presence in various ways. This is an extremely wrong approach.”
He added: “The EU has shown very clearly, in the Russia-Ukraine war, how ineffective it is in terms of assessments and security vision. Now, while there is such confusion in the Eastern Mediterranean, steps or presences that would create more instability in the region must absolutely be avoided, by following the whims of the Greek Cypriot side or certain Zionist alliances.”
Çelik argued that it was well known that Turkey, as a guarantor power, possesses the “determination and capability” to protect the rights and interests of north Cyprus.
‘Bombing and assassinations not the way to achieve goals’
The AKP spokesperson also levelled harsh criticism at the United States and Israel, accusing them of escalating tensions in the Middle East, warning that “this course will not lead to a good outcome.”
He argued that the attacks against Iran are “unjust and illegal” under international law, criticising Washington for failing, as he said, to take into account Tehran’s possible reactions. He also slammed Israel for its tactical approach, stating that “a state cannot resort to methods of assassinations”, adding that such actions “will lead to greater disasters”.
Çelik warned that the absence of a clear stance from the international community risks encouraging more aggressive actions, noting that Israel “is trying to turn Lebanon into another Gaza.”
The AKP spokesperson reiterated that “the war must stop” and that the parties should return to the negotiating table. “You cannot bomb a country just because you don’t like its regime,” he said.
Referring to Iran, he noted that Turkey made it clear that no actions should target Turkish territory, warning of serious consequences otherwise.
Source: CNA