French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday reiterated Israel’s right to defend itself following a wave of Israeli airstrikes on Iran, while urging all sides to exercise “maximum restraint” to avoid a wider conflict in the region.
“France reaffirms Israel’s right to defend itself and ensure its security,” Macron posted in English on social media platform X. “To avoid jeopardising the stability of the entire region, I call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to de-escalate.”
The French leader’s comments came after Israel launched air raids on approximately 100 targets in Iran, including nuclear and military sites. Iran’s armed forces chief of staff was reportedly among those killed in the strikes.
Macron made his remarks after convening a meeting of France’s National Defence and Security Council, adding that all necessary steps would be taken to protect French nationals and diplomatic missions in the Middle East.
Earlier the same day, France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot also appealed for calm: “We call on all sides to exercise restraint and avoid any escalation that could undermine regional stability,” he posted on X.
Tensions have escalated sharply in recent days as Iran and Israel exchanged strikes, raising fears of a broader regional conflict. The developments come against the backdrop of Iran’s gradual retreat from commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal, which unraveled following the United States’ withdrawal during Donald Trump’s presidency in 2018.
