Macron Launches European Initiative to Seek Negotiated End to Iran-Israel Conflict

Paris, The Gulf Observer: The French government is preparing to launch a European-backed diplomatic initiative aimed at ending the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, President Emmanuel Macron’s office announced on Wednesday.

During a meeting of France’s National Security Council, President Macron instructed Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot to coordinate with key European partners in drafting a proposal for a “demanding negotiated settlement” to bring the hostilities to an end. The Élysée Palace did not provide specific details about the nature or timeline of the initiative.

The move comes amid a sharp escalation in regional tensions following extensive Israeli airstrikes on Iran last week. France, along with Germany and the United Kingdom, has maintained regular diplomatic contact in recent days, as all three nations were co-signatories of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the nuclear agreement aimed at limiting Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. The United States later withdrew from the deal under former President Donald Trump.

President Macron expressed deep concern over the current situation, noting that Israel’s recent military actions are increasingly striking targets not related to Iran’s nuclear or ballistic missile programmes. “It is necessary to urgently end these military operations, which pose significant threats to regional security,” the statement from the presidency said.

The French leader also called on Israel to cease attacks on non-military infrastructure in Iran and to refrain from further escalation that risks civilian lives. “The escalation is deeply worrying, with Israeli strikes increasingly hitting targets not linked to Iran’s nuclear or ballistic programme, and a mounting number of civilian victims in Iran and Israel,” the Élysée stated.

In addition to the diplomatic push, Macron has instructed the French foreign ministry to make preparations for the voluntary evacuation of French nationals from both Israel and Iran, should they wish to leave. No further details regarding the evacuation measures were immediately provided.

France’s call for dialogue and de-escalation adds to mounting international pressure for a peaceful resolution to the growing conflict, amid fears of a broader regional war.