Israel-Iran: France sets as its priority "the security of our nationals, the release of our hostages and the de-escalation" of the conflict

These priorities were defined during a Defense and National Security Council meeting held Sunday evening at the Élysée Palace. A new meeting will take place on Tuesday.

During the National Defense and Security Council meeting held on Sunday, June 22, at the Élysée Palace, Emmanuel Macron set as priorities "the security of our citizens," "the release of our two hostages in Iran," and the "de-escalation" of the conflict in the Middle East, franceinfo learned from the Élysée Palace.

In detail, Emmanuel Macron set out France's priorities for action in the face of the war between Israel and Iran: "The security of our nationals with the acceleration of means of exit for our compatriots from Israel and Iran; the release of our two hostages in Iran; the work of de-escalation in conjunction with our E3 (France, Germany, United Kingdom) and regional partners; the search for a diplomatic path to guarantee control of the Iranian nuclear and ballistic program; the securing of our diplomatic and military assets in the region; the maintenance of heightened vigilance in matters of internal security," lists the Élysée.

A new Defense Council meeting will be held on Tuesday "to assess all the measures taken," the Élysée Palace added. During the Defense and National Security Council meeting held on Sunday evening, the head of state also called for remaining fully "mobilized to obtain a ceasefire in Gaza, which must be achieved as soon as possible and in support of Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression."