French president Macron speaks with Iranian and US leaders regarding regional security

On March 8, 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron held telephone conversations with US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. In his discussion with President Pezeshkian, Macron called for an immediate cessation of Iranian strikes against neighboring countries and demanded the restoration of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Macron also emphasized that securing the release and return of French citizens Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, who are currently inside the French embassy, remains a top priority for his government. Additionally, the French leader expressed concerns regarding Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, as well as its overall destabilizing activities in the region. Both leaders agreed to maintain further contact to pursue diplomatic solutions to the conflict. No specific details were released regarding the contents of the conversation between Macron and President Trump. Macron is scheduled to visit Cyprus on Monday to address security measures in the EU nation and the Eastern Mediterranean.