March 15 (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday he had asked Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to put an immediate end to attacks against countries in the Middle East whether
Macron Calls on Iran to Cease Middle East Attacks, Restore Hormuz Strait Navigation
Macron Urges Iran to Halt Regional Hostilities and Ensure Maritime Security
Macron's Direct Appeal to Iranian President
March 15 (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday he had asked Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to put an immediate end to attacks against countries in the Middle East whether directly or through proxies, including in Lebanon and Iraq.
France's Defensive Stance and Regional Interests
"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 said in a post on X.
Strait of Hormuz: Call for Restoration of Navigation
Macron also stressed the need for freedom of navigation to resume in the Strait of Hormuz.
Importance of Maritime Freedom
"Freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz must be restored as soon as possible," he said.
Path to Lasting Stability in the Region
Need for a New Political and Security Framework
The French president said lasting stability would require a new political and security framework addressing concerns over Iran's nuclear ambitions, ballistic missile programme and regional activities.
Guaranteeing Non-Proliferation and Regional Peace
"Only a new political and security framework can ensure peace and security for all," Macron said, adding that such an arrangement must guarantee Iran never acquires nuclear weapons.
(Reporting by Rhea Rose Abraham in Bengaluru; Editing by Will Dunham and Tom Hogue)
