French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday (April 8) welcomed a ceasefire between Iran and the United States, saying it appeared to be holding, but warned that the situation in Lebanon remained critical and should be included in the deal.

Speaking at the start of a defence council meeting, Macron said France expected the ceasefire to be fully respected across the region in the coming days and weeks, adding that negotiations were the only way to ensure lasting stability.

Macron also welcomed Iran’s announcement that it was ready to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, saying France was working with around 15 partner countries on plans for a defensive maritime mission to help resume shipping.

He also welcomed the release of French nationals Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris after more than three years of detention, thanking Oman for its mediation.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

PARIS, FRANCE (APRIL 8, 2026) (AGENCY POOL - Access all)

1. FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON AND FRENCH PRIME MINISTER, SEBASTIEN LECORNU, ARRIVING AND SITTING FOR DEFENCE COUNCIL

2. (SOUNDBITE) (French) FRENCH PRESIDENT, EMMANUEL MACRON, SAYING “

“A few hours after the announcement of a ceasefire, which I welcome here, and which, in as far as the information is accurate, is currently being respected on the ground. And we are indeed waiting in the coming days and weeks for it to be fully respected throughout the region.”

3. WHITE FLASH

4. (SOUNDBITE) (French) FRENCH PRESIDENT, EMMANUEL MACRON, SAYING “

“We have said it repeatedly since the beginning of this conflict, for nearly 40 days now: it is indeed through negotiation that we can provide the security guarantees necessary for stability throughout the region. Therefore, the announcement of this ceasefire is very good news.”

5. WHITE FLASH

6. (SOUNDBITE) (French) FRENCH PRESIDENT, EMMANUEL MACRON, SAYING “

“Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has announced its readiness to reopen it, which is a positive development. We have been working for several weeks to mobilise our partners in Asia, Europe, and the region. Around 15 countries are currently mobilised and participating in the planning, led by France, to enable the implementation of a strictly defensive mission in coordination with Iran, when the conditions are right, to facilitate the resumption of maritime traffic.”

7. WHITE FLASH

8. (SOUNDBITE) (French) FRENCH PRESIDENT, EMMANUEL MACRON, SAYING “

“Regarding Lebanon, which, to date, is also included in the ceasefire, which is a good thing and even an essential thing, and where the strikes have ceased in recent hours, the situation is critical.”

9. WHITE FLASH

10. (SOUNDBITE) (French) FRENCH PRESIDENT, EMMANUEL MACRON, SAYING “

“Allow me to say one last word before we begin the work of this Council, to welcome the release of Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, and the profound relief it brings to all of us. I will have the opportunity to meet with them later this morning. This marks the end of a terrible ordeal lasting three and a half years, and I want to take this opportunity to thank the Omani authorities for their mediation efforts, particularly in this recent period.”

11. FRENCH MINISTERS AHEAD OF DEFENCE COUNCIL