French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday warned against military action targeting Iran’s regime.
He said such action could trigger chaos and long-term regional instability.
Macron instead called for an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomatic negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program.
“We don’t want Iran to get a nuclear weapon,” Macron said during a press conference in Paris.
“But the biggest error would be to use military strikes to change the regime.”
He warned that regime change through force could destabilize the Middle East, much like past interventions in Iraq and Libya.
Macron’s comments follow recent Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites.
The conflict has killed hundreds of civilians and raised fears of a wider regional war.
President Macron said he had discussed the issue with U.S. President Donald Trump during a G7 meeting in Canada.
According to Macron, Trump appeared more willing to pursue a ceasefire at the summit.
“It seems he has changed his opinion since our talks in Canada,” Macron said.
Macron emphasized France’s position: diplomacy over force and no return to a full-scale war in the region.
He urged all parties to respect the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and allow the IAEA to assess Iran’s facilities.
France, a key EU member, has remained committed to preserving the 2015 nuclear deal, despite past U.S. withdrawals.
Macron’s statement comes as global powers grow increasingly divided over how to handle Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
While some nations back Israel’s military actions, others—like France and Russia—are warning against escalation.
The French President also hinted that France could act as a mediator in potential future talks.
“We are ready to help facilitate dialogue if both sides agree,” Macron said.
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