FRANCE PERSPECTIVE

French media cover day 26 with their characteristic analytical and institutional prism. Le Monde devotes an analysis to the gap between Trump's rhetoric ('discussions are progressing') and reality (Iran rejects the plan), calling American diplomacy a 'theater of the absurd.' The editorialist calls for a more assertive European role, deploring that Paris and Brussels are reduced to spectators.

France 24, France's international voice, covers the top EU official's call for negotiations, presenting it as the voice of reason against bellicosity. Le Figaro analyzes implications for Eastern Mediterranean security and French interests in the region (TotalEnergies in Qatar, bases in Abu Dhabi and Djibouti).

Libération publishes a report on civilian victims in Tehran, adopting a humanitarian tone contrasting with more clinical Anglophone coverage. Les Échos focuses on markets: Brent falls slightly on negotiation hopes, but analysts are skeptical about quick resolution.

The multilateralist dimension is omnipresent: French media advocate for an international conference under UN auspices, recalling the Security Council is paralyzed by the American veto. The strategic autonomy concept takes renewed urgency.