Macron and Pezeshkian Meet in New York on Nuclear File
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that today (Wednesday), on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, he will meet with his Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian, to discuss Iran’s nuclear file.
In his speech at the General Assembly, Macron underlined the importance of this meeting, stating: “The coming hours will be decisive. Either Iran takes a step forward and returns to the path of peace and responsibility, or sanctions will have to be imposed.”
He also reacted to remarks by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, who had rejected direct negotiations with the United States over Iran’s nuclear program. Macron stressed that peace in the Middle East would only be possible if Iran’s nuclear program is “once again brought fully under control.”
The French president added that he is ready to meet with the Iranian president this week to pave the way for a new agreement.
Position on Palestine and Gaza
In another part of his speech, Macron reiterated his stance on recognizing the State of Palestine, saying: “France does not accept double standards and rejects policies of hypocrisy. Just as we stand with Ukraine, we also work for peace in the Middle East.”
He called for the release of hostages and an end to attacks on Gaza, explaining: “We have adopted a credible plan to end the war in Gaza and to preserve the two-state solution between Israel and Palestine; a plan that makes the release of all hostages and the saving of lives possible.”
Macron added: “A demilitarized Palestinian state that recognizes Israel, and an Israeli state that recognizes Palestine—this is the path that leads to peace.” He warned: “If Israel remains engaged in a permanent war with all its neighbors, there will be no security or stability for it.”
Welcoming the U.S. Shift on Ukraine
The French president also welcomed the change in tone by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the war in Ukraine. A few hours earlier, Trump had posted on his social media platform, strongly criticizing Russia and pointing to its economic weakness and battlefield defeats.
Macron responded: “I welcome the words of the U.S. president, who just hours ago spoke of Russia’s weakening economy and its failures on the battlefield. I am glad that he believes in Ukraine’s ability not only to resist but also to reclaim its rights.”
He added that it remains to be seen whether this shift in Washington’s rhetoric signals a genuine and lasting change in U.S. policy.
Macron concluded: “In a world full of crises, we must be able to celebrate even the small and fragile victories.”
