Paris, March 16 (NationPress) French President Emmanuel Macron declared on Monday that it is 'unacceptable' for France to be a target amidst the rising tensions in the region following the joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

Macron conveyed these sentiments in a post on X, following a phone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

"I have just communicated with Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian. I urged him to immediately cease the unacceptable attacks being carried out by Iran against nations in the region, whether directly or via proxies, including in Lebanon and Iraq," he stated.

He emphasized that France operates strictly within a defensive framework aimed at safeguarding its interests, ensuring the safety of its regional allies, and supporting freedom of navigation. He reiterated his call for Iran to put an end to its attacks on neighboring countries.

"I reminded him that France is acting within a strictly defensive framework aimed at protecting its interests, its regional partners, and freedom of navigation, and that it is unacceptable for our country to be targeted," Macron added.

Macron also warned that the ongoing uncontrolled escalation could lead to chaos throughout the region, with repercussions that may affect the present situation and future years.

"The unchecked escalation we are witnessing is pushing the entire region into chaos, with significant consequences both today and for the years to come. The people of Iran, like those throughout the region, are suffering the consequences. Only a renewed political and security framework can deliver peace and security for all. This framework must ensure that Iran never acquires nuclear weapons, while also addressing the threats posed by its ballistic missile program and its destabilizing actions both regionally and globally," he remarked.

He stressed the necessity of restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz at the earliest opportunity.

"Restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz must occur as soon as possible. I also urged the Iranian President to facilitate the safe return of Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris to France as soon as possible. Their ordeal has continued for far too long, and they should be reunited with their families," he stated.

On Thursday, Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei called for the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route responsible for transporting about one-fifth of the world's oil consumption, according to reports from Xinhua news agency.