France backs Lebanon-Israel framework deal in Rubio call

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot welcomed the recently concluded framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel during a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday, reaffirming Paris's commitment to supporting the deal's implementation, according to the Foreign Ministry in Paris.

Lebanon-Israel framework agreement

The two diplomats welcomed the accord and the "decisive role" played by Washington in securing the deal. Barrot reaffirmed France's willingness to contribute to implementing the agreement "in order to allow for the full restoration of Lebanese sovereignty, the exercise by the Lebanese state of its arms monopoly, and the withdrawal of the Israeli army from Lebanese territory, while guaranteeing the security of both Israel and Lebanon."

Beirut and Tel Aviv signed the US-sponsored framework on June 26 to facilitate a phased Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory and reduce hostilities along the border. The latest Israeli offensive in Lebanon began in early March following Hezbollah's retaliation to the Iran war.

Iran nuclear file and NATO summit

The ministers also reviewed progress on the memorandum concluded between Washington and Tehran on June 14 — signed by US President Donald Trump in Versailles three days later. Barrot reiterated the need for a "robust and verifiable agreement" guaranteeing that Iran will never acquire nuclear weapons.

The conversation also addressed the situation in Ukraine following discussions at the recent G7 summit in Evian, alongside preparations for the NATO summit scheduled to take place in Ankara on July 7-8.