French President Emmanuel Macron has called on his Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian, to release two French nationals who have been "held hostage by the Iranian regime for over three years" amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel.
In a telephone conversation with President Pezeshkian on Saturday, Macron demanded the immediate release of Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, who have reportedly been detained in "unacceptable conditions" according to the French leader.
"I have just spoken with Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian," Macron wrote in a series of posts on his X account. "My first message was to demand the immediate release of our compatriots, Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, who have been held hostages by the Iranian regime in unacceptable conditions for over three years."
Call for De-escalation and Diplomatic Solutions
The conversation comes at a critical moment as Iran launched missile strikes targeting different parts of Israel on Friday and Saturday, following weeks of Israeli airstrikes on Iran. The exchange marks a dangerous escalation in regional tensions.
Macron emphasized the need for diplomatic facilities and nationals in Iran and the wider region to be protected, stating they should "not be targeted under any circumstances."
"I therefore invited President Pezeshkian to return swiftly to the negotiating table to reach an agreement — the only viable path to de-escalation," Macron added. "We stand ready to contribute and to mobilize all our efforts to achieve that goal."
Impact of Recent Hostilities
The recent Iranian missile strikes have reportedly caused significant damage in Israel, with photos showing destroyed houses and partial damage to several others. Israel's national emergency medical services reported treating and evacuating twenty-one people after a rocket strike in the country's coastal plain.
Macron also urged Pezeshkian to return to negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program, suggesting this as a critical component of any de-escalation strategy in the region.
The French president's intervention highlights growing international concern about the potential for wider regional conflict if diplomatic solutions are not pursued.
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