Mr Macron, 41, discussed the latest tensions in the Middle East with Iraq President Barham Salih and with the de facto ruler of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan. Their meeting came a day after US President Donald Trump launched airstrikes on Iran, assassinating General Qassem Soleimani. A statement from Macron’s office added that Mr Macron and Mr Salih would remain in close contact to try to avert a further escalation in tensions in Iraq and the broader region.
President Trump tweeted about the attack immediately after news broke the General was killed.
He said: “Iran never won a war, but never lost a negotiation!”
He added in a later tweet: “General Qassem Soleimani has killed or badly wounded thousands of Americans over an extended period of time, and was plotting to kill many more… but got caught!”
The meeting between France and Iraq comes as Iran raised its red flag of war over the Holy Dome Jamkarān Mosque as a symbol of a severe battle to come.
Global leaders have begun assessing the magnitude of the situation with many holding fears of World War 3 and destabilisation of the Middle East.
For the first time in the history of Iran, a red flag was raised over the Holy Dome of Jamkarān Mosque symbolising a severe battle to come.
The disturbing war flag reads the words: “Those who want to avenge the blood of Hussein.”
Leader of the Islamic Revolution in Iran Imam Sayyed on Friday vowed “severe revenge” in response to the killing of General Soleimani.
READ NOW: World War 3: What is the military draft age? Who can be drafted? [NEWS]
The US president said: “We took action last night to stop a war. We did not take action to start a war.”
Mr Trump said the US was not seeking regime change in Iran, but claimed the world was a safer place without “monsters” such as General Soleimani.
Mr Trump said the Iranian general was plotting “imminent and sinister attacks” and added: “We caught him in the act and terminated him.”
However, despite the President’s insistence that his actions were done to stop a war, fears of a global conflict have exploded.
US citizens in Iraq have been told to leave the country immediately in the wake of the airstrike.
Professor of International Relations at LSE Fawaz Gerges argued that President Trump is not ready for the retaliation of Iran.
While on BBC he added that the attack was “not a wise decision at all” and may lead to further escalation in the region.