Trump and Macron discuss oil prices, Iran, Red Sea, and Ukraine

Emmanuel Macron proposed several initiatives to Donald Trump on Monday to curb rising oil prices, focusing on Iran, the Red Sea, and Ukraine. The French president suggested a UN Security Council resolution to guarantee freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. France also offered to help secure Saudi energy infrastructure targeted by Houthi rebels, including the port of Yanbu and the East-West pipeline, in a strictly defensive approach. Macron discussed the need to accelerate aid to Ukraine with interceptor missiles and proposed a moratorium on energy-related strikes. The half-hour meeting took place at Trump Tower, where Macron promised to speak frankly to persuade Trump to maintain support for Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia. European leaders seek to remain involved in negotiations over the conflict's settlement and future European security architecture.