French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Saturday that he had spoken by phone with newly elected Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, during which both leaders agreed to expedite negotiations between European powers and Iran concerning its controversial nuclear program.
Macron stated that he conveyed his “deep concern” over Iran’s nuclear activities, reiterating France’s longstanding position that Iran must never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons.
“I also expressed my deep concern about Iran’s nuclear program. Here again, my position is clear: Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons, and it is up to Iran to provide full guarantees that its intentions are peaceful,” Macron said in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The French president added that he remains convinced a diplomatic path exists to end regional conflict and prevent further escalation. “To achieve this, we will accelerate the negotiations led by France and its European partners with Iran,” he affirmed.
In the same call, Macron also raised the issue of detained French nationals Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, demanding their immediate release. He described their ongoing imprisonment as “inhumane” and “unjust.”
The couple, both teachers, were arrested at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Airport in May 2022 as they prepared to return to France following a 14-day vacation. Iranian authorities have accused them of espionage. They remain imprisoned in Tehran’s notorious Evin prison, known for holding Western detainees, dual nationals, and political prisoners frequently used as leverage in Iran’s negotiations with the West.
