In a joint statement released on Wednesday, Qatar and France stressed the need to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz "without constraints or fees." The call comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate regional tensions, with Qatari mediator Ibrahim bin Sultan Al Hashmi stating on Tuesday that negotiations are ongoing to reopen the strait. Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Wednesday that "Iran is prepared to give diplomacy another chance."
The two leaders condemned Iranian military attacks against countries in the region, describing them as a serious breach of international law. On Gaza, they called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces "in accordance with the agreed arrangements" and urged the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid without conditions or restrictions. The United Nations World Food Programme reported on Monday that about 1.4 million people in Gaza face acute food insecurity, underscoring the need for aid access.
France and Qatar also reiterated opposition to any annexation of the West Bank and called for an end to Israeli settlement policies and settler violence. On Lebanon, they backed full implementation of the Trilateral Framework Agreement to restore Lebanese sovereignty, disarm Hezbollah, and secure an Israeli withdrawal. They warned against a security vacuum following the end of the UN peacekeeping mission's mandate.
Additionally, both countries expressed readiness to support stabilisation and economic recovery projects in Syria in coordination with Syrian authorities. The meeting is part of Macron's regional tour, which also included Kuwait, the UAE, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, aimed at strengthening partnerships and supporting regional stability.