Macron steps up

France’s Macron says ‘nothing justifies’ south Lebanon escalation

PARIS: French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday said that “nothing justifies the major escalation under way in south Lebanon” where Israeli forces have launched a new offensive against Hezbollah. In a message on X after speaking with regional leaders, Macron said it was “essential” for an agreement to be reached quickly between the United States and Iran. Macron held talks with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed, and his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.