France’s Macron discusses Middle East tensions with Iraq, UAE

French President Emmanuel Macron discussed the latest tensions in the Middle East on Saturday with Iraq President Barham Salih and with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan.

A statement from Macron’s office added that Macron and Salih would remain in close contact to try to avert a further escalation in tensions in Iraq and the broader region.

On Saturday, tens of thousands of people marched in Baghdad to mourn Iran’s military chief Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Mohandes, after the two were killed in a US air strike that has raised the specter of wider conflict in the Middle East.