French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has ruled out lifting sanctions on Iran as long as the Strait of Hormuz remains obstructed by its armed forces, Al Jazeera reports.

“We ourselves have imposed significant sanctions on Iran. But it is out of the question that any sanction whatsoever be lifted as long as the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked,” Barrot told French broadcaster RTL.

“It cannot be blocked, subjected to tolls, or used as leverage or blackmail.”