Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with France's Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu today to discuss security in the Middle East, including the situation in Israel, countering Iranian malign influence, and the importance of freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. Secretary Austin and Minister Lecornu also discussed the importance of continuing support to Ukraine.
Secretary Austin and Minister Lecornu reaffirmed their commitment to continued communication and cooperation on these important issues.