French President Emmanuel Macron has affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself in the wake of its large-scale airstrikes on Iran, while urging all sides to act with restraint to avoid escalating regional tensions.
“France reaffirms Israel’s right to defend itself and ensure its security,” Macron wrote in English on X (formerly Twitter).
“To avoid jeopardising the region’s stability, I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint.”
His statement followed a meeting of France’s National Defence and Security Council, convened in response to Israeli strikes on over 100 Iranian targets, including military and nuclear facilities.
The attacks reportedly resulted in the death of Iran’s armed forces chief of staff.
Macron also said France would take “all necessary steps” to protect its nationals and diplomatic presence in the region.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot echoed the president’s message, appealing to all parties to avoid further escalation.
Tensions remain high, especially as Iran continues to distance itself from the 2015 nuclear deal, which initially offered sanctions relief in return for limits on its nuclear activities.
The agreement collapsed after the United States withdrew in 2018 under then-President Donald Trump.
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