Macron calls US, Iranian leaders to urge resumption of talks

French President Macron announced on April 14 that he had spoken separately with the Iranian president and U.S. President Donald Trump the previous day to discuss the situation in the Middle East. Macron urged a swift resumption of negotiations that have stalled in Islamabad and stressed that the ceasefire agreement must be strictly implemented by all countries, including Lebanon. He also called for the unconditional and prompt restoration of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, without any restrictions or tolls. Additionally, Macron revealed that France and the UK will host a virtual meeting in Paris on April 17 for non-belligerent nations to discuss a multilateral defensive mission aimed at restoring navigational freedom in the strait when conditions permit.