France and the United States are intensifying their collaborative efforts to mitigate a potential increase in conflict in the Middle East, emphasizing de-escalation between Israel and Hezbollah as a crucial goal, according to President Emmanuel Macron. During U.S. President Joe Biden’s state visit to France, Macron highlighted in a joint declaration that both nations are “intensifying efforts to prevent a regional outbreak, especially in Lebanon.”
Macron noted the focus on “advancing parameters” to ease tensions and resolve the ongoing political deadlock in Lebanon. Over the recent months, France and the U.S. have been actively working to reduce hostilities, with France proposing written solutions to both parties to halt the increasing hostile interactions along the Israel-Lebanon border.
The U.S. has also been engaged in these efforts, although coordination challenges have been reported by diplomats. Macron stated that there has been “close coordination” between the two countries in discussions, involving Israel and Lebanon, including all relevant parties.
During the announcement, Biden did not address Lebanon or Iran, the latter of which Macron accused of escalating regional tensions through attacks on Israel and its nuclear program developments. Macron affirmed the joint resolve of France and the U.S. to apply necessary pressures to counter this escalation.
Despite some U.S. hesitations, France, alongside Britain and Germany, recently advanced a resolution against Iran over its nuclear activities, which passed at the U.N. nuclear watchdog’s 35-nation Board of Governors. This resolution received U.S. support despite initial American concerns about provoking Iran ahead of the November presidential election.
Biden’s state visit, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of D-Day, included ceremonial events and discussions on trade, Israel, and Ukraine.
