Transcription
The Islamic Republic of Iran bears the primary responsibility for this situation. It is she who developed a dangerous nuclear program and unprecedented ballistic capabilities that armed. The United States of America and Israel have decided to launch military operations. They were conducted outside international law, which we cannot approve. With Germany and the United Kingdom, we have clearly stated that an immediate cessation of strikes is desirable. and that lasting peace in the region will only be achieved through the resumption of diplomatic negotiations. Today, the Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed, and it is through this strait that approximately 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas transits. The Suez Canal, the Red Sea are also under tension and threatened in the face of this unstable situation. To the uncertainties of the coming days, I have ordered that the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, its air assets, its frigate escort head towards the Mediterranean. Cyprus, a member of the European Union, a country with which we have just signed a strategic partnership, has also been struck in recent days. This is why I have decided to send additional anti-aircraft defense assets there as well, and a French frigate, the LangOc, which will arrive off the coast of Cyprus this evening. Nearly 400,000 of our compatriots are present in the region, either as residents or passing through. We are in the process of organizing in good order the repatriation of our citizens who wish it, starting with the most vulnerable. The first two flights will be in Paris this evening. Hezbollah committed the major mistake of striking Israel and putting the Lebanese in danger. Israel is reportedly deciding on a ground operation. This would also be a dangerous escalation and a strategic error. Hezbollah must imperatively cease all strikes, and I call on Israel to respect Lebanese territory and its integrity.