Unacceptable attacks - French President Macron urges Iran to halt strikes after call with Iranian President Pezeshkian

French President Emmanuel Macron stated that he has called on Iran to stop its attacks in the Middle East during a phone conversation with Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian. After the call, Macron shared on X, “I just spoke with Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian.” He emphasized that Tehran must immediately cease what he termed as unacceptable attacks, whether carried out directly or through allied groups in the area. “I urged him to swiftly end the unacceptable strikes Iran is conducting against countries in the region, both directly and via proxies, including in Lebanon and Iraq,” he remarked. Macron also noted that France is only acting to protect its interests and regional allies. “I reminded him that France operates within a purely defensive approach aimed at safeguarding its interests, its regional partners, and ensuring freedom of navigation, and that it is not acceptable for our nation to be targeted,” he stated. He cautioned that rising tensions could destabilize the entire Middle East and endanger civilians throughout the region. “The ongoing escalation we are observing is throwing the whole region into disorder, with serious repercussions now and in the future. The people of Iran, like others in the region, are suffering the consequences,” he added. Macron concluded that lasting stability would require a new political and security framework that addresses Iran’s nuclear program and its activities in the region.