France ready to support efforts toward US-Iran agreement: Macron
Paris, June 1
France is ready to support efforts to reach an agreement between the United States and Iran, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday.
A multinational escort mission, co-led by France and Britain, is ready to be deployed "as soon as an agreement is reached" to help secure maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, he said.
Macron made the remarks on X following a phone call with US President Donald Trump on Sunday, Xinhua news agency reported.
He said he welcomed Trump's "determined efforts" to quickly reach an agreement with Iran, describing it as a "unique opportunity" to build a new security framework that involves all relevant actors, with a view to lasting stability in the region.
"I indicated that we are ready to fully support these efforts and play our full part in their implementation. This is the purpose of the international mission we have established with the British and our partners," he said.
He also said France stands ready to contribute expertise to broader negotiations, particularly on the nuclear component of any agreement.
In Lebanon, Macron emphasised "the importance of a robust ceasefire and collective support for the Lebanese authorities," and welcomed the US "commitment" to Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Earlier in the day, he said he has spoken with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi.
He said he delivers the same message to all these leaders, stressing that it is essential for the United States and Iran to reach an agreement quickly.
According to Macron, the priority is to secure a ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz without any conditions and in accordance with international law. Discussions should then continue with a view to reaching a comprehensive and robust agreement on other issues, particularly Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs and regional stability.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Macron is playing both sides – talking to Trump, then cozying up to Gulf leaders. Typical European balancing act. But if it gets the Strait opened and lowers oil prices, I'm all for it. Our fuel bills are killing us! 😅
Good to see multilateralism in action. But I worry this is just another framework where the West dictates terms to Iran. India has always maintained that dialogue and diplomacy are the only way forward. Let's hope this isn't a precursor to more sanctions.
Iran nuclear deal, Strait of Hormuz, Lebanon ceasefire... Macron is trying to solve everything at once! Ambitious, but maybe unrealistic. Still, if anyone can pull it off, it's a seasoned diplomat like him. Fingers crossed for stability in West Asia. 🙏
I'm cautiously optimistic. But remember how the last Iran deal collapsed under Trump? Trust issues. And Macron calling it a "unique opportunity" feels like déjà vu. Let's see if there's genuine will this time, or just more political theatre.
As an Indian, I'm happy to see France taking the lead. But I can't help notice the Gulf monarchies are being consulted, not India. We have 8 million expats there and rely on their oil. Why aren't we in these conversations? Time for India to assert its role globally.
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