Warsaw, April 20 (QNA) - French President Emmanuel Macron today called on the United States and Iran to return to calm and reach a settlement through diplomatic channels. He demanded the unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the removal of restrictions on ships passing through it, and the elimination of transit fees.

During a joint press conference with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Macron stated that both the US and Iran are at fault regarding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, the closure of which leads to higher oil prices.

Macron said that following the US decision to maintain the targeted blockade in Hormuz, particularly concerning all matters related to Iran, the Iranian authorities changed their initial position on reopening the strait. He added, "I believe it is a mistake on both sides."

Iran announced the reopening of the strategic waterway last Friday, but reversed its decision on Saturday, leading to renewed tensions with the United States just before the end of the ceasefire. Iran argued that the continued US blockade of Iranian ports had prompted it to resume "strict control" of the strait.

The French president confirmed that the incident involving a French ship in the waterway on Saturday "was not specifically targeting France." (QNA)