Can't contradict yourself every day: Macron jabs Trump over Iran war flip-flops
Emmanuel Macron made it clear that France does not support any military attempt to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by force. He said this could only be done by talking to Iran.
French President Emmanuel Macron has pushed back against calls for a military solution to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning that such an approach would be both impractical and dangerous. Speaking during his visit to South Korea, Macron also took a swipe at US President Donald Trump, saying, "You can’t contradict yourself every day."
His remarks come at a time when the strategic waterway -- crucial for global oil and trade flows -- has been severely disrupted by the ongoing conflict.
FORCE NOT THE ANSWER
Macron made it clear that France does not support any military attempt to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Referring to proposals that have surfaced in recent weeks, he said, "There are those who advocate for the liberation of the Strait of Hormuz by force through a military operation, a position sometimes expressed by the United States."
"I say sometimes because it has varied, it is never the option we have chosen and we consider it unrealistic," he added.
He went on to explain the risks involved in such an operation. "It is unrealistic because it would take an inordinate amount of time and would expose anyone crossing the strait to coastal threats from the (Iranian) Revolutionary Guards, who possess significant resources, as well as ballistic missiles, (and) a host of other risks."
According to him, the reopening the strait must come through diplomacy. "What we say from the beginning is that this strait must be reopened because it is strategic for energy flows, fertilisers and international trade, but that it can only be done in consultation with Iran," he said.
"So, first and foremost, there must be a ceasefire and a resumption of negotiations," Macron added.
MACRON TAKES AIM AT TRUMP
The French President also expressed frustration over what he described as mixed messaging from Washington. Without holding back, Macron said, "You have to be serious. When you want to be serious, you don't say the opposite every day of what you said the day before. And perhaps you shouldn't talk every day."
"I don't want to provide a running commentary of an operation the Americans have decided on their own with Israel. They can deplore the fact they're not being helped, but that's not our operation. We want peace as soon as possible," he said.
During talks in Japan with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the French President reiterated the need for calm and diplomacy. Takaichi also stressed the urgency of de-escalation, noting the importance of securing safe passage through the vital waterway and ensuring stable global supplies.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical shipping routes, and its disruption has already had ripple effects across energy markets and international trade.