France has summoned the US ambassador after claims the US National Security Agency (NSA) spied on the past three French presidents, Sky News reported Wednesday.

Material released by WikiLeaks claims the NSA wiretapped former presidents Jacques Chirac, Nicolas Sarkozy and Francois Hollande.

The alleged spying took place from 2006 until May 2012, the month Mr Hollande took over the presidency from Mr Sarkozy.

Mr Hollande, speaking after a defence council meeting on Wednesday, said the spying was "unacceptable" and warned Paris would not tolerate actions that threatened national security.

In a statement, he said: "France will not tolerate actions that threaten its security and the protection of its interests.

"Commitments were made by US authorities. They need to be recalled and strictly respected."

The French Foreign Ministry summoned the US ambassador to discuss the matter.