Iran is expected to respond within days to Qatari-Pakistani mediation efforts aimed at easing tensions with Washington, French President Emmanuel Macron said in Doha.
Speaking to reporters in Lusail, Qatar, Macron said France had maintained continuous contact with both the United States and Iran over the regional crisis and was working to expand diplomatic channels to prevent further escalation.
He also confirmed that proposals to reopen the Strait of Hormuz remained on the table and had been discussed during his visit.
"There were proposals to open the Strait of Hormuz, and this proposal remains available. We discussed it today," Macron said.
His remarks came a day after sources familiar with the Qatari-Pakistani mediation efforts told The New Arab that the two countries had presented a compromise proposal aimed at addressing demands from both Washington and Tehran.
The proposal seeks to prevent renewed escalation and pave the way for the two sides to return to negotiations.
According to the sources, the proposed agreement includes a partial response to Iran's demand for the release of its frozen assets.
Under the proposal, Iran would receive interest accrued on $6 billion in Iranian funds frozen in Qatari banks, an arrangement that the sources said had received a positive response from both Washington and Tehran.
The proposal also addresses US demands concerning Iran's nuclear programme, with Tehran agreeing in principle to an unannounced, confidential visit by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to Iranian nuclear facilities.
Sources familiar with the mediation efforts had told The New Arab on Monday that a breakthrough could be announced this week as Qatar and Pakistan continue efforts to ease tensions between the two countries.
Macron calls for Hezbollah disarmament and Israeli withdrawal
Macron also addressed developments in Lebanon, reaffirming France's support for the Lebanese army and calling for the disarmament of Hezbollah alongside an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
"We are working to restore calm and stability to Lebanon, and we support the Lebanese army," Macron said.
He stressed the need for Hezbollah to surrender its weapons and for Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon.
The French president added that Paris was working with Italy and other international partners to secure support for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), whose mandate is due to expire at the end of December.
Macron rules out state of emergency in France
Turning to domestic developments, Macron ruled out declaring a state of emergency in France following violence and looting during demonstrations last Saturday.
His comments came as authorities prepared for further protests over the coming weekend.
Macron said meetings would be held on Thursday to discuss the situation, with several measures due to be implemented from Saturday to contain unrest and prevent further violence.
He stressed that the government's objective was to listen to protesters, address public anger and tackle its underlying causes while distinguishing legitimate grievances from acts of violence.
The French president called for all relevant parties to come together to develop a plan for moving forward, insisting that violence could not be justified.
Macron's remarks followed talks with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who received the French president at Lusail Palace on Tuesday evening.
The Qatari leader described the discussions as "fruitful" and referred to Macron as a friend in a post on X.
He said the talks focused on strengthening the strategic partnership between Qatar and France, expanding bilateral cooperation and exchanging views on major regional and international developments.
The emir also praised the progress made in relations between the two countries and their shared commitment to promoting security, stability and the mutual interests of their peoples.