Iran informs France of condition to stop escalation against Israel

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has told his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron that the United States and Europe must urge Israel to accept a ceasefire in Gaza, to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East.

For the first time, Iran has clearly set out its condition to stop the escalation against Israel, despite pledges to respond firmly to the assassination of Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran on 31 July.

According to the German Press Agency, Pezeshkian’s statement indicates the existence of a “diplomatic path to de-escalate”, as Israel prepares for the Iranian response after Haniyeh’s assassination.

France urged Iran on Wednesday to do everything in its power to avoid a new military escalation in the region “which would be in nobody’s interest, including Iran’s, and which would do lasting damage to regional stability”, according to Anadolu.

Macron expressed his deep concern over the rising tensions in the region in a phone call to Pezeshkian, according to a statement by the French Foreign Ministry.

Similar messages were being sent to all the players in the region with whom Macron was in contact, the ministry added.He reiterated the French position in favour of an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a firm refusal of any escalation with Lebanon.

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