By Necva Tastan Sevinc
ISTANBUL (AA) - French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday called on Israel to immediately halt its military strikes that are "unrelated to Iran’s nuclear and ballistic program," expressing concern over a growing number of civilian casualties in both Iran and Israel.
Speaking after a defense and security council meeting at the Elysee Palace on the Middle East situation, Macron said France is "deeply concerned by the ongoing escalation, with Israeli strikes increasingly targeting objectives not connected to Iran’s nuclear and ballistic activities."
Macron stressed that a "lasting resolution" to Iran’s nuclear and ballistic program can only be achieved through negotiations, the French broadcaster BFMTV reported.
He reiterated France’s commitment to a "frank and firm" dialogue with Tehran, particularly regarding its destabilizing activities in the region, according to a statement from the Elysee.
Macron also asked French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot to take an initiative "in the coming days" with close European partners to propose a “demanding negotiated settlement” aimed at ending the conflict between Israel and Iran.
The nature of the initiative has not yet been detailed, though Barrot was present at the meeting along with French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou and Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu.
Macron further instructed the Foreign Ministry to take necessary measures to facilitate the departure of French nationals from Iran and Israel who wish to leave.
He once again strongly advised against any travel to either country.
Regional tensions have escalated since Friday, when Israel launched airstrikes on multiple sites across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities, prompting Tehran to launch retaliatory strikes.
Israeli authorities said at least 24 people have been killed and hundreds injured in Iranian missile attacks.
Meanwhile, in Iran, 585 people have been killed and more than 1,300 wounded in the Israeli assault, according to Iranian media reports.