French, Saudi discuss extending US-Iran ceasefire to Lebanon

Abdullateef Fowewe

French President Emmanuel Macron has held a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to address escalating tensions in the Middle East.

In a statement shared via X on Saturday, Macron said, “I have just held a phone call with the Crown Prince regarding the situation in the Near East and Middle East. I reaffirmed my support for the ceasefire, which must be fully respected and expanded without delay to also include Lebanon.”

The leaders stressed restoring “full and safe freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible,” amid threats to key shipping routes.

They also agreed to stay in “close contact” during Pakistan-mediated talks in Islamabad to promote de-escalation and “lasting peace and security in the region.”

France is pushing for Lebanon’s inclusion in the truce as Israeli strikes continue there.