French President Emmanuel Macron and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a rare phone call, focusing primarily on nuclear non-proliferation issues, particularly concerning Iran. Macron emphasized the importance of maintaining the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and highlighted France’s responsibility in ensuring global stability.
During the conversation, Macron noted that the talks centered on Iran’s nuclear program and the necessity of preserving the NPT. He stated that reaching an agreement on this issue is crucial due to France’s role in international stability. The French leader also mentioned that the discussion was important for France, as both nations are permanent members of the UN Security Council and thus share obligations under the NPT.
Following a series of Israeli and US strikes on Iran’s nuclear and strategic sites, Iran suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), accusing it of not condemning the attacks. Iran also claimed that the UN agency passed on the identities of nuclear scientists to Israel, leading to several assassinations. Both Putin and Macron stressed the need to uphold Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy while fulfilling its NPT obligations. They also agreed to continue diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation in the Middle East.
Macron also remarked that no progress was made on the Ukraine conflict, echoing sentiments expressed by US President Donald Trump following his own call with Putin. He emphasized the necessity of a ceasefire before resuming negotiations and highlighted the importance of Western sanctions to apply pressure. The Kremlin stated that Putin reiterated Russia’s view that the Ukraine conflict arises from long-standing Western disregard for its security concerns. Putin maintained that any settlement must be comprehensive and address the root causes of the crisis, including what Moscow describes as new territorial realities.
Russia and Ukraine resumed Turkey-hosted talks earlier this year after nearly three years of no direct diplomatic contact, following Kiev’s withdrawal of its demand for an unconditional ceasefire as a precondition for negotiations. Macron’s outreach reflects a shift in his stance on the conflict, as he has proposed that the EU begin a broader dialogue on regional security that includes Russia as part of a potential peace framework.
The call underscored the ongoing diplomatic efforts to manage nuclear proliferation and regional conflicts, with both leaders emphasizing the need for multilateral cooperation and dialogue to achieve long-term stability in the region.