TEHRAN: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and French President Emmanuel Macron held a phone conversation centered on de-escalating the ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, seeking ways to establish a ceasefire. According to National Iraqi News Agency, the dialogue highlighted recent escalations in southern Lebanon, with both leaders exploring mechanisms to halt confrontations. President Pezeshkian emphasized Iran's long-standing advocacy for a peaceful region devoid of war and conflict. He expressed Iran's readiness to support initiatives aimed at bringing calm, peace, and stability. Pezeshkian also reflected on a recent incident where he accused Israel of assassinating Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas's political bureau, in Tehran. This act, according to Pezeshkian, was followed by increased military aggression by Israel despite international pledges to enforce a ceasefire and prevent further bloodshed in Gaza. The Iranian president accused Israel of violating humanitarian norms and interna tional laws, expanding the conflict into Lebanon. During their conversation, the Iranian leader urged President Macron to collaborate with other European nations to compel Israel to cease what he termed as "genocidal crimes" and further massacres in Gaza and Lebanon. Pezeshkian welcomed the French government's recent stances, which included condemning Israel's actions in Lebanon and halting arms supplies to the country.