Macron Urges Iran to Seize Chance for De-Escalation

French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X that he had spoken with Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian.

In the context of ongoing US-Iran negotiations in Islamabad, Pakistan, he urged him to seize the opportunity "to open the way to a lasting de-escalation and to a difficult agreement that will bring firm guarantees of security in the region with the participation of all the countries concerned".

"I stressed the need for Iran to restore freedom and security of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible," Macron wrote, adding that France was ready to contribute.

He also emphasised "the importance of full respect for the ceasefire, including in Lebanon". He added that Paris "fully supports the actions of the Lebanese authorities, who are the sole legitimate holders of the sovereignty of the state and decide the future of Lebanon".

(luc)