UNITED NATIONS, United States, Sept 25, 2024 (AFP) - French President Emmanuel Macron called on his Iranian counterpart in talks Tuesday to use his influence to reduce soaring tensions in Lebanon, the Elysee said.

Meeting President Masoud Pezeshkian, Macron "highlighted the responsibility of Iran to support a general de-escalation and use its influence with destabilizing actors," an Elysee statement said, in a clear reference to Iranian-backed Hezbollah.