France to Propose Diplomatic Initiative to Halt Israel–Iran Conflict, Macron Says

June 19, 2025 | Paris (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – French President Emmanuel Macron has instructed Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot to table a diplomatic initiative “in the coming days,” working with key European partners, to secure a negotiated settlement and end the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, the Élysée Palace said on Wednesday.

Macron voiced “deep concern” at a meeting of the Defence and National Security Council, citing an increase in Israeli strikes on targets not linked to Iran’s nuclear or ballistic-missile programmes and a rising civilian death toll on both sides, according to the presidential statement.

The French leader “underlined the urgent need to bring an end to the military operations,” the statement said, though it offered no details on what form the new initiative would take. Prime Minister François Bayrou and Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu attended the council meeting.

Macron also directed the foreign ministry to take “all necessary measures” to facilitate the departure of French nationals from both Iran and Israel amid heightened regional risks.

Saudi Arabia Breaking News will continue to monitor developments on France’s proposed mediation efforts.