Macron urges Iran to engage in 'good faith' talks to de-escalate crisis

2026-03-24 - 22:00

French President Emmanuel Macron called on Iran Tuesday to enter "negotiations in good faith in order to open a path toward de-escalation" during a phone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Massoud Pezeshkian. The diplomatic outreach comes amid the fifth week of hostilities between Iran and US-Israeli forces. Diplomacy as the only path In a statement on X following the call, Macron emphasized that diplomacy must serve as the key route to easing regional tensions. He said such efforts should "provide a framework to address the expectations of the international community regarding Iran's nuclear and ballistic program, as well as its regional destabilizing activities." The French leader reiterated "the absolute necessity of putting an end to the unacceptable attacks against countries in the region," calling for the protection of civilian and energy infrastructure. Hormuz navigation demanded Macron also urged Tehran to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy supplies that has been effectively closed since early March. The disruption has driven up shipping costs and pushed global oil prices higher, compounding economic pressures from the conflict. Conflict context The US and Israel have maintained airstrikes on Iran since Feb. 28, killing more than 1,340 people including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and infrastructure damage while disrupting global markets and aviation. Macron's call represents the latest international effort to seek a diplomatic off-ramp from the escalating war.