Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire in Lebanon and highlighted the importance of international support for Lebanese authorities during a phone call with US President Donald Trump on Sunday.

According to Anadolu Agency, Macron expressed his appreciation for President Trump’s commitment to Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He underscored the necessity of a strong ceasefire and collective backing for Lebanese leadership amidst ongoing regional tensions. Macron conveyed these sentiments via a message on the US social media platform X on Monday.

Macron also acknowledged ongoing efforts to foster an agreement between the United States and Iran, describing it as a significant opportunity to establish a new security framework in the region. This framework aims to engage all relevant parties to enable sustained stability. Macron assured that France is prepared to support these diplomatic efforts and actively participate in their implementation. He mentioned an international mission, organized with Britain and other partners, ready to be deployed to secure maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz upon reaching an agreement.

In addition, Macron reiterated France’s readiness to contribute its expertise and capabilities to the broader diplomatic negotiations concerning regional stabilization.

The context of these discussions is the recent escalation of conflict between Israel and Lebanon, which began in March following Hezbollah’s response to the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. Despite a ceasefire brokered by the US, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered an expansion of military activities in Lebanon.