Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron is "optimistic" about Vladimir Putin's stance regarding Iran's potential departure from a global arms control agreement, as stated by a government spokesperson.

According to Anadolu Agency, Macron expressed his optimism concerning Putin's position, suggesting that the Russian leader would oppose Iran's exit from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Sophie Primas, speaking at a Cabinet meeting, highlighted the significance of this stance, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing diplomatic efforts.

Primas advocated for a "diplomatic solution" to ensure Iran remains within the NPT framework, which would allow for continued inspections on Iranian soil. When questioned about Macron's outlook on the ongoing situation in Ukraine, Primas indicated that the French President was "a little less so" optimistic, citing ongoing "unprecedented attacks" by Russia.

The issue of a ceasefire was raised during discussions, with Primas noting that Putin maintains conditions that are currently unmet. Macron and Putin engaged in a phone conversation on Tuesday, addressing topics related to Ukraine, the Middle East, and the Iran-Israel conflict, alongside recent US strikes on Tehran's nuclear sites.

This conversation marked the first interaction between the two leaders since September 2022. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a law mandating the suspension of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), amidst rising tensions with the UN nuclear watchdog concerning monitoring and transparency.

The backdrop of these developments includes a 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran, which began on June 13 following Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear installations. In response, Tehran launched missile and drone strikes, while the US targeted three Iranian nuclear sites. The conflict concluded with a US-brokered ceasefire on June 24.