France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has said it is “out of the question” to lift any sanctions on Iran as long as the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked.

Axar.az informs speaking on RTL on Thursday, May 7, he stressed that it is “absolutely necessary” for the Strait of Hormuz to be reopened in the short term. He described the strait as a “common good of humanity” that cannot be blocked, used for tolls, or leveraged for political pressure.

Barrot reiterated that no sanctions would be lifted while the situation persists, adding that France has already imposed significant sanctions on Iran.

His comments come as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reportedly calls for the lifting of U.S. sanctions in exchange for steps on Iran’s nuclear program.