French President Emmanuel Macron has criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s approach to the ongoing conflict with Iran, emphasizing the need for a ‘serious’ stance that does not change ‘every day,’ according to the BBC. Macron made the remarks during a state visit to South Korea, where he addressed the escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Macron Questions Trump’s Daily Remarks on Iran

Speaking to journalists, Macron said, ‘This is not a show. We are talking about war and peace and the lives of men and women.’ He added, ‘When you want to be serious you don’t say every day the opposite of what you said the day before.’ Macron further suggested that Trump should ‘just let things quieten down’ rather than commenting daily on the situation.

Macron’s comments came as the U.S.-Israel war in Iran entered its second month. France and other European nations have supported some U.S. operations in the region but have resisted direct involvement in the conflict. Trump’s administration has issued mixed messages about the war, at times suggesting a ceasefire was near, that the war had already been won, or that the U.S. would continue fighting.

Macron Highlights the Importance of NATO Trust

Macron emphasized the value of alliances like NATO, noting that their strength lies in unspoken trust rather than daily declarations. He said, ‘Alliances like NATO are valuable because of what is unspoken – meaning the trust behind them.’ He argued that casting doubt on one’s commitment to the alliance undermines its substance.

Macron also pointed out that partners sign agreements and show up when issues arise, rather than commenting every day on whether they will or will not respect those agreements. He described the current situation as ‘too much chatter, it’s all over the place.’

Regarding the U.S. and Israeli military operations, Macron stated he was unwilling to comment on actions they ‘decided on by themselves.’ He added, ‘They then lament that they are alone in an operation they decided on alone. It’s not our operation.’

Macron Challenges Trump’s Claims on Iran’s Nuclear Program

Macron also addressed Trump’s recent assertion that the war was the ‘last best chance to strike at Iran’s nuclear weapons programme.’ He reminded reporters that six months ago, Trump had claimed ‘everything had been destroyed and all had been sorted out.’

Macron argued that international observers are needed to monitor Iran’s nuclear development and that a framework should be established to prevent further enrichment. He said, ‘You still have today and you’ll still have in the future people who have the know-how, hidden laboratories, etc. So it’s not targeted military action even lasting a few weeks which can sort out the nuclear problem for good.’

Trump has accused France of failing to assist in the war on Iran and has been critical of Macron. During a private lunch, Trump mocked Macron by imitating a French accent and making comments about Macron’s wife, Brigitte, suggesting she ‘treats him extremely badly’ and that Macron was ‘still recovering from the right to the jaw.’

Macron dismissed the comments as ‘neither elegant nor up to standard’ and stated he would not respond, saying, ‘They don’t deserve a reply.’ The remarks on Macron’s marriage have been widely criticized in France, even drawing support from some of his political opponents.

Tehran has retaliated against the strikes on its territory by closing the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway that enables the passage of a large proportion of the world’s energy supply. Trump has said that countries most affected by the closure should resolve the issue themselves.

Macron pushed back against the idea of a military operation to liberate the strait, calling it ‘unrealistic’ due to the risks involved. He warned that such an operation would expose anyone crossing the strait to threats from the Iranian Major Guards, who possess significant resources, including ballistic missiles and other risks.