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French President Emmanuel Macron has called on Iran to immediately cease "unacceptable attacks" against its Middle Eastern neighbors and to reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway that carried about 20 percent of the world's daily oil supply.

In a recent telephone conversation with Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian, Macron said France is acting within a "strictly defensive framework" aimed at protecting its interests, regional partners, and freedom of navigation. He said it is unacceptable for France to be targeted.

"The unchecked escalation we are witnessing is plunging the entire region into chaos, with major consequences today and for the years to come," Macron said. "The people of Iran, like those across the region, are paying the price."

His statement, shared on X on Sunday, comes as the US-Israeli war against Iran enters its third week. Thousands have been killed and oil prices have skyrocketed globally after Iran began attacking ships navigating the Strait of Hormuz.

The French leader has also urged Iran to release two nationals detained in Iran, urging President Pezeshkian to allow Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris to return safely to France.