Macron Demands End to Iranian Attacks in Middle East

On March 15, 2023, French President Emmanuel Macron engaged in a conversation with Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian, urging an immediate halt to what he described as "unacceptable attacks" linked to Iran's military actions across the Middle East. Macron disclosed that the discussion outlined France's concerns regarding escalating tensions in the region and emphasized that France's military presence is strictly defensive, aimed at protecting its interests and those of its allies.

He warned of the consequences of further military escalation and stressed the need for a broader security framework to stabilize the region. Macron also called for the restoration of safe passage on critical shipping routes and appealed for the release of two French citizens currently held in Iran.

This conversation followed a deadly drone attack in northern Iraq, believed to involve Iranian-made drones. Macron condemned the attack and reiterated that French forces operate solely within the scope of counterterrorism.