Macron calls for US-Iran talks to resume, urges halt to escalation

Diplomatic talks led by France and United Kingdom this week will focus on sanctions, maritime security and the release of seafarers as part of discussions on a possible multinational mission, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The meetings in Paris are set to be structured around several working groups covering economic, security and industry coordination issues, the source said.

Senior diplomats are holding discussions ahead of a meeting to be co-chaired by British and French leaders on Friday, with a focus on ensuring freedom of navigation and stability in the Strait of Hormuz.

The talks will also examine potential economic measures against Iran if the waterway remains closed, the source said.

Other areas under discussion include efforts to secure the release of seafarers and vessels stranded in the region, as well as cooperation with shipping and energy companies to support a safe return to maritime transit when conditions allow.

European Council President Antonio Costa said on Tuesday that the European Union and the United Arab Emirates could work more closely to help bring stability back to the region.

Costa made the comment on X after meeting UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. He also thanked the Emirati leadership for ensuring the safety of around 200,000 EU citizens living in the country.

“We discussed how the EU and the UAE can cooperate more closely to bring stability back to the region and protect our shared interests,” Costa said.

He added that the EU remained committed to restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and supporting diplomatic efforts for lasting peace in the Middle East.

Costa’s comments came during a two-day tour of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, where he said he would promote deeper cooperation and a negotiated path toward regional stability.

After he arrived in Abu Dhabi, Costa wrote on X that the EU stands “in full solidarity in the face of Iran’s indiscriminate, unjustifiable, and unlawful attacks.”

“We are a reliable partner for the Gulf countries and are ready to contribute. By working together, we can support a comprehensive strategy for lasting peace in the Middle East through negotiation and diplomacy.” he wrote.

Iran has estimated damage from US and Israeli attacks at about $270 billion so far, the government spokeswoman said on Tuesday.

Fatemeh Mohajerani told Russia’s RIA Novosti that war reparations were one of the issues being pursued by Iran’s negotiating team and had also been raised in talks in Islamabad.

She added that the figure included both direct and indirect losses.

The shortages affect both life-saving treatments for cancer and heart disease as well as common over-the-counter painkillers. Despite the public struggle, earlier this month, Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said current strategic reserves are in good condition and the government ordered urgent imports.

Price increases for critical drugs have left many patients unable to afford treatment. Citizens told Iran International that the price of Xgeva, a drug used for bone cancer, rose from 15,000,000 rials ($9.38) to 420,000,000 rials ($262.50) in two months. The treatment requires an injection every two months.

In the city of Karaj, the price of Lantus insulin rose from 1,770,000 rials ($1.11) to 7,100,000 rials ($4.44). Other residents said some types of insulin now cost more than 70,000,000 rials ($43.75) following recent regional conflicts.

Cancer patients told the broadcaster that a 30-day supply of Aromasin, which previously cost 5,000,000 rials ($3.13) with insurance, now sells for 44,000,000 rials ($27.50) when available. Many patients said they cannot find imported versions and that local substitutes are not effective.

The shortages extend to basic items. Residents in Tehran said pharmacies now ration common pills like GeloFen, while elderly patients in Mashhad reported they cannot find basic antidepressants like Amitriptyline.

Medical supplies such as disposable gloves are also difficult to find in many pharmacies. Patients said they are forced to delay treatment or face financial ruin to buy medicine.

France’s President Emmanuel Macron and Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer will chair a video conference in Paris on Friday for countries willing to contribute to a defensive multilateral mission to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz when security conditions permit, the French presidency said on Tuesday.

The meeting will focus on coordinating support for the initiative amid heightened tensions in the waterway.

Senior diplomats will also hold a video call on Wednesday ahead of the leaders’ meeting, two European diplomats said.