Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron disclosed that he has engaged in discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, urging Iran to play a constructive role in easing regional tensions and to ensure the security of navigation in the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz.

According to Anadolu Agency, Macron emphasized the importance of Iran taking advantage of the ongoing discussions in Islamabad to work towards a long-term reduction in tensions and the establishment of a precise and binding agreement. Macron highlighted that such an agreement should involve all relevant nations and provide firm guarantees for maintaining regional security.

Macron also underscored the necessity of fully adhering to the ceasefire, particularly in Lebanon. He reiterated France’s unwavering support for the Lebanese authorities as the sole legitimate entity responsible for exercising state sovereignty and making decisions regarding Lebanon’s future.

Further, Macron expressed France’s readiness to assist in efforts aimed at restoring freedom and security of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The discussions hosted by Pakistan are regarded as the most significant US-Iran negotiations since 1979, targeting the resolution of the broader regional conflict amidst a precarious two-week ceasefire brokered earlier in the week.

The conflict, which began with a US-Israeli offensive on Iran on February 28, has resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,000 Iranians, as reported by the country’s health authorities. The altercation also led to the death of at least 13 US servicemen, with numerous others wounded.