French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday urged urgent U.S.–Iran negotiations and immediate de-escalation measures in the Middle East following talks with key regional leaders focused on preventing further escalation and restoring maritime stability.
Macron Pushes Urgent US–Iran Talks
Macron said he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, Emirati President Mohammed bin Zayed and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, delivering what he described as a unified message on the need for urgent diplomacy.
“It is essential that an agreement between the United States and Iran be reached quickly,” Macron wrote on X, adding that “this opportunity must be seized now.”
He called for an immediate ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz “without any conditions and in accordance with international law.”
He also urged continued negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic missile development and broader regional security issues.
Macron also said France is prepared to support maritime security operations alongside the U.K. and contribute expertise to nuclear negotiations and a wider regional security framework.
In Lebanon, he warned of escalating violence, saying “nothing justifies the major escalation currently underway in southern Lebanon,” and called for an immediate halt to hostilities.
US–Iran Ceasefire Talks
U.S.-Iran negotiations to end a four-month conflict remained unresolved as tensions continued over nuclear restrictions and regional security concerns.
President Donald Trump said he was in no rush to finalize a deal, stressing that any agreement must prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and meet strict conditions.
He warned that a rushed deal could be counterproductive and reiterated that military action remained an option if talks failed.
The dispute has disrupted global energy markets, driven inflation higher and threatened shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz.
Negotiators have been discussing a possible ceasefire extension, sanctions relief and steps to secure maritime trade, including potential Iranian action to clear mines in the Strait.
However, any agreement still requires approval from both sides, leaving the outcome uncertain as discussions continue.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
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