France, April 11 -- French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman agreed on Saturday to stay in "close contact" in a bid to help ease tensions across the Middle East, as fresh negotiations between Iran and the US got under way in Islamabad.

Writing on X after speaking with the Saudi leader, Macron said both sides were committed to supporting de-escalation efforts at a critical moment for regional stability. "As talks have just opened in Islamabad, we have agreed to remain in close contact to help de-escalate tensions, ensure freedom of navigation and reach an agreement to secure lasting peace and security in the region," he said.

The French president also reiterated his backing for a fragile ceasefire curre...