President Macron Says Military Operation in Strait of Hormuz Unrealistic

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday a military operation to free the Strait of Hormuz was "not realistic," expressing his disappointment at US President Donald Trump's changing statements on the war in Iran.

"There are parties that support the liberation of the Strait of Hormuz by force through military operations, a position sometimes expressed by the United States," President Macron said in South Korea, launching Al Arabiya from AFP (2/4).

"I say sometimes because it varies, it's not a choice we've ever made and we consider it unrealistic," he continued.

"It is unrealistic because it would take a very long time and would make anyone crossing the strait vulnerable to coastal threats from the Revolutionary Guards (Iran), who have significant resources, as well as ballistic missiles, (and) a number of other risks," explained President Macron.

"This can only be done together with Iran. So, first and foremost, there must be a ceasefire and the resumption of negotiations," he added.

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane for oil, has been practically paralyzed for weeks due to the war in the Middle East.

President Macron also accused President Trump of constantly contradicting each other regarding the conflict.

"You have to be serious. If you want to be serious, you don't say the opposite every day of what you said the day before. And maybe you shouldn't speak every day," said President Macron.

The French president also said President Trump had damaged NATO by creating "daily doubts about his commitment" to the North Atlantic alliance.

"If you create daily doubts about your commitment, you will erode it," he said.

"There is too much talk going on in all directions," President Macron said.