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French President Emmanuel Macron condemned attacks on civilian targets and called for renewed diplomatic efforts to address escalating tensions in the Middle East, speaking Friday at the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget.
"Nothing justifies the strikes on civil infrastructure or civilian populations. Absolutely nothing," Macron said, warning that such actions risk dangerous escalation across the region.
The French leader emphasized the need for all parties to prioritize negotiations over military action. "We must all be extremely vigilant, serious, and get back around the negotiating table," he stated.
Macron's remarks came as France prepares a new diplomatic initiative targeting Iran's nuclear program. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot is scheduled to meet with his British, German, and Iranian counterparts in Geneva to present what Macron described as "a comprehensive diplomatic and technical offer."
The proposal aims to achieve zero uranium enrichment, limit Iran's ballistic capabilities, restrict financing of proxy groups, and secure the release of hostages, according to the French president.
Addressing Iran's nuclear ambitions, Macron reiterated France's longstanding concerns while acknowledging the limitations of military solutions. "No one should underestimate the threat posed by a nuclear-armed Iran," he said, referencing France's role in negotiating the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
"There are extremely protected facilities, and no one can definitively say where the 65% of the enriched uranium is," Macron noted. "This is why technical expertise and negotiations are essential."
The French president connected regional security concerns to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire. "A cease-fire is urgently needed, for humanitarian reasons and regional security. The resumption of humanitarian aid and political dialogue is essential," he said.
While reaffirming that "Israel's security is a strategic issue for France" and acknowledging Iran as "an existential threat to Israel," Macron maintained his position against civilian targeting. "But that does not justify continued strikes against civilian infrastructure and populations," he added.
Macron announced plans to contact Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and called for renewed political and diplomatic efforts to prevent further regional destabilization.
The French leader also outlined domestic political steps, announcing a forthcoming parliamentary debate under Article 50, followed by consultations with political parties on Iran, Gaza, and Ukraine after the upcoming NATO Summit.
Additionally, Macron said France would advance the European IRIS² satellite constellation project, supported by French firm Eutelsat, describing it as "a matter of sovereignty, industry, and strategic importance" for European independence in space communications.
Iran must demonstrate a willingness to return to negotiations, Macron emphasized, as France positions itself as a key mediator in addressing multiple regional crises through diplomatic channels.
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