Mercedes Stephenson

I have just spoken with Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian. My first message was to demand the immediate release of our compatriots, Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, who have been held hostages by the Iranian regime in unacceptable conditions for over three years. In light of the serious risk of destabilization across the region, I called for our diplomatic facilities and nationals in Iran and the wider region not to be targeted under any circumstances. I also urged the utmost restraint to avoid escalation. Iran’s nuclear program is a serious concern and must be resolved through negotiation. I therefore invited President Pezeshkian to return swiftly to the negotiating table to reach an agreement — the only viable path to de-escalation. We stand ready to contribute and to mobilize all our efforts to achieve that goal.