Macron says US-Iran ceasefire must lead to broader Mideast talks to ensure regional security

French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday said the ceasefire between the United States and Iran must serve as a starting point for wider negotiations to ensure long-term regional stability.

In a post on US social media company X, Macron said he spoke with Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, telling both that "their decision to accept a ceasefire was the best possible one."

He stressed the importance of full compliance, expressing hope that "the ceasefire is fully respected by all parties across all areas of confrontation, including in Lebanon," calling it "a necessary condition for the ceasefire to be credible and lasting."

Macron emphasized that the truce "must pave the way for comprehensive negotiations to ensure the security of all in the Middle East."

He added that any agreement must address concerns over Iran’s nuclear and ballistic programs, as well as its regional policies and actions affecting navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Macron said France would play its role in building a "robust and lasting peace" in coordination with regional partners, adding he also discussed the issue with the leaders of Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, and Iraq on Wednesday.

Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran on Tuesday, saying Tehran presented a "workable" 10-point proposal for negotiations.

The announcement came less than two hours before the expiration of a deadline Trump had repeatedly extended for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and accept an agreement or face widespread destruction.