Macron tells Aoun will hold 'consultations' to prepare for post-UNIFIL period

French President Emmanuel Macron spoke by phone with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to discuss the situation in southern Lebanon in light of the results of the U.S.-Iran talks held in Switzerland, as well as the outcomes of the G7 summit held in France in recent days.

According to a statement from the presidency, Macron said he "would hold consultations with several countries to determine their position on the initiative" to deploy an international military force in southern Lebanon after the departure of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, or UNIFIL, whose withdrawal is set to begin at the start of 2027.

The initiative has been supported by several European Union countries, including France, Italy and Spain.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said June 19 on Franceinfo that Paris is prepared to keep troops in Lebanon after UNIFIL leaves, in coordination with local authorities.

The two heads of state also discussed Lebanese-Syrian relations and coordination between the two countries. On that occasion, Aoun welcomed comments made by Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa during a televised interview Sunday on Al Mashhad.

The Syrian president denied any intention to intervene militarily in Lebanon and raised the possibility of engaging in dialogue with Hezbollah "if this serves Lebanon's interests and preserves those of Syria."

Aoun and Macron also agreed to "maintain regular contact in order to monitor developments and ongoing efforts to consolidate the cease-fire in Lebanon and strengthen the authority of the state across its entire territory."

French Ambassador to Lebanon Hervé Magro met Tuesday with Army Commander Rodolph Haykal to reiterate France's continued support for the Lebanese Army.