PARIS, France, April 17, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday urged the unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz after Tehran declared that the key shipping route would be open as long as a ceasefire in the Middle East lasts.

"We welcome the announcement," Macron said after a meeting of heads of state and government mainly by video conference, adding the leaders urged the "full, unconditional reopening by all the parties" of the Strait of Hormuz.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also hailed the announcement, which was made on X by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during their meeting, but added: "We need to make sure that it is lasting and a workable proposal."