France Calls For De-Escalation in Middle East after Israeli Strikes on Iran - Macron

ISTANBUL, June 13 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday said France is ready to work with international partners to prevent further escalation in the Middle East following Israeli military strikes on Iran, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.

“France stands ready to work with all its partners to push for de-escalation in the Near and Middle East,” Macron said in a statement on X.

Amid heightened tensions, Macron urged all parties to “exercise maximum restraint” to safeguard regional stability.

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The French leader said he had earlier convened the National Defence and Security Council and assured that all necessary steps would be taken to protect French citizens and missions in the region.

“All measures will also be implemented to ensure the protection of our national territory and our fellow citizens,” he said.

Macron added that he had held discussions with key regional and international leaders, including the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, the King of Jordan, the President of the United Arab Emirates, the Emir of Qatar, the Chancellor of Germany, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and the President of the United States.

“Peace and security for all in the region must remain our guiding principle,” he said.

Earlier on Friday, Israel launched a large-scale military operation against Iran, reportedly involving 200 aircraft targeting nuclear and long-range missile facilities. Several senior Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists were reported killed.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU