PARIS: French President Emmanuel Macron held separate talks with US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday in an effort to prevent a wider Middle East conflict amid the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran.
Macron said he urged Iran to halt attacks across the region and ensure freedom of navigation through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supplies.
“I stressed the need for Iran to immediately cease its strikes against countries in the region,” Macron wrote on X after speaking with Pezeshkian.
Je me suis entretenu avec le président iranien Massoud Pezechkian.
Je lui ai indiqué que la sécurité et le retour en France de Cécile Kohler et Jacques Paris, qui se trouvent actuellement dans l'enceinte de l'ambassade de France, restent pour nous une priorité absolue.…
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) March 8, 2026
Macron is due to travel to Cyprus on Monday in a show of solidarity with the European Union member after recent drone attacks and to discuss security in the eastern Mediterranean.
Macron also spoke with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi as part of efforts to calm rising tensions in the region.
The French president said the two leaders discussed the need to prevent further escalation, including in Lebanon where Israeli forces are conducting operations against Hezbollah.
“We must act to avoid escalation at any cost, return to a ceasefire, and strengthen Lebanese state sovereignty by supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces,” Macron said.
He warned that the expanding conflict could disrupt global trade, which he described as essential to the world economy.
Je me suis entretenu avec le Président égyptien pour faire le point sur la situation au Moyen-Orient et lui témoigner la solidarité de la France.
Nous sommes convenus de l’importance de sécuriser au plus vite le transport maritime en Mer Rouge.
La liberté de navigation…
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) March 8, 2026
Macron also stressed that the war should not derail progress towards the next phase of a Gaza peace plan and called for the full reopening of the Rafah border crossing to allow humanitarian aid into the enclave.
France backs Qatar with defence support
Meanwhile, Macron spoke with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and reiterated France’s support for Doha amid regional tensions.
Writing on X, Macron said France stood in “total solidarity” with Qatar following what he described as unacceptable attacks targeting the Gulf state.
He said Paris was deploying defensive military capabilities, particularly air defence support, to assist Qatar.
“France is a reliable and loyal ally and will continue to honour its commitments alongside Qatar,” Macron said.
He also stressed the shared priority of protecting global energy supplies and ensuring safe navigation for oil and gas tankers through the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz.
Je viens de m’entretenir avec l’Émir du Qatar.
Je lui ai redit la solidarité totale de la France avec le Qatar face aux attaques inacceptables dont il fait l’objet.
J’ai fait part à Cheikh Tamim de notre reconnaissance pour l’efficacité avec laquelle les forces armées…
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) March 8, 2026
Macron is scheduled to meet Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in the Cypriot city of Paphos on Monday.
The Elysee Palace said the visit aims to demonstrate solidarity with Cyprus and strengthen security in the eastern Mediterranean.
The trip follows drone attacks on the island last week.
In response, France has deployed the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to the Mediterranean along with a frigate and air defence units to Cyprus.
French officials said the military deployments are “strictly defensive”.
Qatar warns of global repercussions
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani also warned that the escalating conflict could have global consequences.
During a phone call with Trump on Saturday, the emir cautioned that the crisis could have “dangerous repercussions” for international security and peace, according to Qatar News Agency.
The two leaders discussed the continuing Iranian attacks on Qatar and other regional states and efforts to contain the crisis.
The emir emphasised the importance of diplomatic solutions while affirming that Qatar would defend its sovereignty and national interests.
Qatar hosts the largest US military base in the Middle East and has been targeted by multiple missile attacks since fighting intensified.
