Iran-backed groups in the Middle East, including Hezbollah, should exercise the "greatest restraint" if there is regional escalation between Iran and the United States to avoid destabilizing the region, France's foreign minister said.

Jean-Noël Barrot made his comments in Beirut, where he arrived earlier in the day after visiting Syria and Iraq. His visit also comes as the U.S. and Iran held indirect talks in Oman on how to approach discussions over Tehran's nuclear program.