Middle East ceasefire and maritime security mission announced

French President Emmanuel Macron has described the two-week ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran as a positive development. Following the agreement, 15 nations are mobilizing for a defensive mission in coordination with Iran to secure free passage through the Strait of Hormuz. While France is advocating for Lebanon to be included in the ceasefire, the Israeli Prime Minister has stated that Lebanon is not covered by the Washington-Tehran deal. In reaction to the news, the Paris stock exchange rose by 1.53%, and the French oil industry union expects gasoline prices to drop by 5 to 10 cents in the coming days. Additionally, President Macron met with Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, two French nationals recently released by Iranian authorities after being held as hostages. The French administration emphasized the critical nature of the current situation in Lebanon during the Defense Council meeting at the Élysée Palace.