PARIS, April 14 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron has called for the resumption of the stalled U.S.-Iran negotiations, urging both sides to clear up misunderstandings and avoid further escalation.
In his post on the social media X on Tuesday, Macron stressed "it is essential, in particular, that the ceasefire be strictly respected by all parties and that it include Lebanon."
The United States and Iran announced a ceasefire on Wednesday after weeks of conflict, which erupted on Feb. 28 following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.
During his post, Macron also said he spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday.
Meanwhile, Macron said "It is equally important that the Strait of Hormuz be reopened unconditionally, without restrictions or tolls, as soon as possible." The strait, which handles about 20 percent of global oil shipments, has been effectively closed amid rising tensions, sending energy prices significantly higher.
Macron noted that France and Britain will host a conference in Paris this Friday, bringing together by videoconference non-belligerent countries willing to contribute to a multilateral and purely defensive mission aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz when security conditions permit.
Earlier on Tuesday, there are media reports saying that the U.S. and Iranian negotiating teams could return to the Pakistani capital Islamabad later this week for further talks after the two sides ended their last round without a breakthrough.
However, a source at the Iranian embassy in Islamabad said the next round of U.S.-Iran peace talks could take place at any time and in any location. Nothing has been officially confirmed so far. ■