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The French and Iranian presidents, Emmanuel Macron and Hassan Rohani, on September 23, 2019 in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. LUDOVIC MARIN / AFP

In the margins of the UN General Assembly, Emmanuel Macron continues his efforts to try to reduce tensions between Washington and Tehran. On Monday, September 23, the French president had a long talk with his Iranian counterpart, Hassan Rohani.

With our special correspondent in New York, Véronique Rigolet

Nearly two hours of talks on Monday between the French president and his Iranian counterpart in a hotel near the UN headquarters. To conclude, in front of the press, the two leaders exchanged a warm handshake.

However, a few hours earlier, Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, had clearly raised the tone against Tehran, issuing a joint statement clearly designating Iran as the person responsible for attacks on oil installations Saudi women , and urging Tehran to refrain from " any further provocation ".

Meeting scheduled between MM. Macron and Trump this tuesday

A renewed firmness Monday evening by the French head of state, who also told President Rohani that the path of de-escalation was " narrow ", but that " more than ever necessary ." The time has come for Iran to take it, believes Emmanuel Macron.

In the entourage of the French number one, we do not believe in any more the possibility of a meeting in New York between Presidents Trump and Rohani. But President Macron will continue his mediation efforts until his departure from the United States on Tuesday night. Three hours of "bilateral" are scheduled on his agenda on Tuesday. He should see Donald Trump again in the day.