French President Emmanuel Macron held a phone conversation on Sunday with Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian, pressing him to bring an end to Iran’s assaults on neighboring countries.

After the call, Macron released a statement on social media explaining that he urged the Iranian leader “to put an immediate end to the unacceptable attacks Iran is carrying out against countries in the region, whether directly or through proxies, including in Lebanon and Iraq. I reminded him that France is acting within a strictly defensive framework aimed at protecting its interests, its regional partners, and freedom of navigation, and that it is unacceptable for our country to be targeted.”

Macron warned that the continued escalation threatens to destabilize the Middle East on a broad scale and will carry serious consequences both now and in the future.

“The unchecked escalation we are witnessing is plunging the entire region into chaos, with major consequences today and for the years to come. The people of Iran, like those across the region, are paying the price,” warned Macron.

The French president also argued for the creation of a new political and security structure designed to provide stability and safety across the region.

“Such a framework must guarantee that Iran never acquires nuclear weapons, while also addressing the threats posed by its ballistic missile programme and its destabilising activities regionally and internationally.”

Macron further emphasized the need to reopen the vital shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz without delay.

“Freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz must be restored as soon as possible,” he stressed.

During the conversation, Macron also pressed Iran to free two French citizens who have been imprisoned in the country on accusations of spying for Israel’s Mossad.

“I also urged the Iranian President to allow Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris to return safely to France as soon as possible. Their ordeal has gone on for far too long, and they belong with their loved ones,” said Macron.

Earlier this month, after the latest round of fighting began, Macron revealed that France would strengthen its military footprint in the region, including sending the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.

Although Macron said he understands the actions taken by the United States and Israel, he argued that the operations were conducted “outside the framework of international law.” He added that France, together with Germany and the United Kingdom, is urging an immediate end to the strikes and a renewed push toward diplomatic talks, saying that “a lasting peace in the region will only be achieved through renewed diplomatic talks.”

The following day, Macron said he spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and urged him to safeguard Lebanon’s territorial integrity and avoid launching a ground invasion. He also underscored the importance of returning to the ceasefire arrangement.

Earlier Sunday, Macron posted a message in Hebrew on social media criticizing Israel’s strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon and calling for the attacks to stop.

Dutch right-wing political leader Geert Wilders, a vocal supporter of Israel, responded with a brief reply in Hebrew consisting of a single word: “Coward.”

{Matzav.com}