Macron praises US-Iran ceasefire, expresses concern over Lebanon

French President Emmanuel Macron has welcomed the ceasefire between Iran and the US.

"The announcement of this ceasefire is a very good thing," Macron said at the start of a meeting of the Security and Defence Council in Paris on Wednesday.

However, he added that it was also important for France to ensure that the ceasefire fully included Lebanon.

Macron described the situation in Lebanon - which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said is not covered by the ceasefire - as critical. The French president said the Hezbollah militia had made a strategic mistake when it attacked Israel and dragged Lebanon into the regional crisis.

But he warned that the current situation, with attacks and the occupation of southern Lebanon, cannot be a lasting solution.

Macron emphasized that the ceasefire must be followed by negotiations.

He welcomed Iran's intention to reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz. A good dozen countries stood ready to facilitate the resumption of shipping traffic through a defensive mission, he said.