PARIS: French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Saturday that France, along with its European allies, plans to increase discussions with Iran amid rising tensions between the Islamic Republic and Israel.
On Friday, top diplomats from Britain, France, Germany, and the European Union met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Geneva. This meeting took place shortly after Israel began its military strikes in the region.
The diplomatic team urged Iran to renew talks with the United States to resolve concerns over its nuclear program. However, Iran responded that it would only engage in diplomacy if Israel stopped its attacks.
Macron emphasized the importance of these conversations, stating that efforts would be intensified to prevent further escalation of the conflict.
"I believe there is a way to end the fighting and avoid even greater risks," Macron conveyed in English on social media, following a phone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
He stressed, “Iran must never gain nuclear weapons,” and insisted that it is Iran’s responsibility to assure the international community of its peaceful intentions.
Macron also brought attention to the detention of two French citizens, Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, who have been held in Iran since May 2022 on charges of espionage that their families deny. He called their detention "inhumane" and stated, "I expect them to come home to France."
