Saudi Arabia, France push for Iran diplomacy, condemn Hormuz threats

Saudi Arabia and France have jointly called for a diplomatic resolution to tensions surrounding Iran, emphasizing the need to prevent further escalation and ensure regional security. The two nations also condemned recent attacks on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping lane, and demanded the restoration of unimpeded navigation.

During Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman's state visit to France, the two countries committed to strengthening their strategic partnership. This deepened cooperation will span critical sectors including defense, investment, energy, artificial intelligence, and regional security. The visit culminated in the announcement of 21 agreements and memoranda of understanding, marking 100 years of political relations between the two nations.

Both Saudi Arabia and France reaffirmed a shared vision for Middle East stability, grounded in respect for state sovereignty and international law. They prioritized political and diplomatic solutions to ongoing conflicts and pledged to address emerging security threats collectively. The leaders chaired the inaugural meeting of the Saudi-French Strategic Partnership Council, launching initiatives to expand collaboration across various fields.

Regarding Iran, the joint statement stressed the importance of a negotiated solution that guarantees the peaceful nature of its nuclear program and urged Tehran to fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency. The condemnation of attacks in the Strait of Hormuz highlighted the necessity of restoring navigation to pre-February 28, 2026 conditions, ensuring freedom of movement in accordance with international law.

The two nations also addressed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, welcoming an agreement for Hamas disarmament and calling for its implementation. They stressed the need for a sustainable ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian aid to Gaza. Both sides firmly rejected attempts to undermine the Palestinian right to an independent state and condemned Israeli settlement policies, viewing them as threats to the two-state solution.