Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday said the ceasefire between the United States and Iran must serve as a starting point for wider negotiations to ensure long-term regional stability.

According to Anadolu Agency, Macron, in a post on US social media company X, mentioned that he spoke with Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump on Wednesday. He conveyed to both leaders that "their decision to accept a ceasefire was the best possible one."

He emphasized the importance of full compliance with the ceasefire, expressing hope that "the ceasefire is fully respected by all parties across all areas of confrontation, including in Lebanon," and called it "a necessary condition for the ceasefire to be credible and lasting."

Macron further stressed that the truce "must pave the way for comprehensive negotiations to ensure the security of all in the Middle East." He highlighted the need for any agreement to address concerns over Iran's nuclear and ballistic programs, as well as its regional policies and actions affecting navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

The French President affirmed that France would play its role in building a "robust and lasting peace" in coordination with regional partners. He also mentioned that he discussed the issue with the leaders of Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, and Iraq on Wednesday.

Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran on Tuesday, stating that Tehran had presented a "workable" 10-point proposal for negotiations. This announcement came less than two hours before the expiration of a deadline Trump had repeatedly extended for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and accept an agreement or face widespread destruction.