French President Emmanuel Macron has emphasized the need for a serious and steady approach to the ongoing Iran conflict, in remarks seen as a response to US President Donald Trump’s contradictory statements about the war.
“This is not a show. We are talking about war and peace and the lives of men and women,” Macron told journalists during a state visit to South Korea. He added that frequent changes in messaging undermine credibility, advising leaders to let tensions settle before making public comments.
Macron criticized inconsistent US signals on the conflict, which has entered its second month. While European countries, including France, have supported some US operations, they have resisted deeper involvement. He stressed that alliances like NATO rely on trust and commitment rather than daily public commentary.
On the US strikes in Iran, Macron noted that military action alone cannot fully resolve Iran’s nuclear program, pointing to the need for international oversight and long-term frameworks to prevent further enrichment.
Trump, meanwhile, has publicly criticized France’s role in the conflict and made personal remarks mocking Macron, including comments about his wife. Macron dismissed these remarks as inappropriate and unworthy of a response, a stance widely supported across France.
Regarding Tehran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Macron warned that any military operation to reopen the waterway would be unrealistic and highly dangerous, given the threat from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and missile capabilities.
