PARIS (Azat TV) – French President Emmanuel Macron has condemned the joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran as “dangerous” for Middle East stability, urging an immediate halt to the escalation and a return to diplomatic negotiations. His remarks, issued Saturday, February 28, 2026, followed a coordinated attack on Iranian targets and subsequent retaliatory missile and drone barrages from Tehran, significantly heightening regional tensions.
Macron’s strong statement underscores a growing concern among European leaders who have distanced themselves from the US-Israeli offensive, emphasizing the need for de-escalation and a negotiated settlement. The French President also called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council to address the crisis.
Macron’s Stance on Iran-Israel Escalation
In a direct statement posted on social media, President Macron declared, “The ongoing escalation is dangerous for all. It must stop.” He further pressed the Iranian leadership, stating, “The Iranian regime must understand that it now has no other option but to engage in good faith in negotiations to end its nuclear and ballistic programs, as well as its regional destabilization activities. This is absolutely necessary for the security of all in the Middle East.”
Macron’s individual condemnation came shortly after a joint statement with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The three European leaders collectively called for a resumption of negotiations and urged Iran to seek a diplomatic solution, affirming their non-participation in the strikes. “We reiterate our commitment to regional stability and to the protection of civilian life,” they stated, signaling a unified European position that prioritizes de-escalation. The French President also affirmed France’s readiness to deploy necessary means to protect its closest partners upon request, as reported by RFI.
European Leaders Express Concern Over Middle East Stability
The US-Israeli strikes and Iran’s swift retaliation have triggered widespread unease across Europe. European Union President Ursula von der Leyen described the attack as “greatly concerning,” stressing the critical importance of ensuring nuclear safety and preventing actions that could further escalate tensions or undermine global non-proliferation efforts. Irish Premier Micheal Martin echoed these sentiments, expressing deep concern over the potential for a wider regional conflict and reiterating Ireland’s belief in resolving conflicts through diplomacy and international law, in line with the UN Charter.
A UK government spokesperson articulated similar worries, stating, “We do not want to see further escalation into a wider regional conflict.” These statements collectively highlight a clear divergence in approach between key European allies and the United States regarding military intervention in the Middle East.
The Catalyst: US-Israel Strikes and Iranian Retaliation
The current crisis ignited on Saturday night when the United States and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran. US President Donald Trump vowed to devastate Iran’s military, eliminate its nuclear program, and bring about a regime change. He directly encouraged the Iranian people to rise up against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stating, “It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations.”
In response, Iran promptly retaliated by firing a barrage of missiles and drones at Israel and US military bases located in the region, including facilities in Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. Explosions were reported over Qatar’s capital, Doha, near the Al-Udeid military base, the largest US facility in the region, with Qatar’s defense ministry confirming it had repelled attacks. Kuwait and the UAE also reported intercepting incoming Iranian missiles, according to The New York Post and RFI.
Divergent International Reactions to the Attack
While most European leaders expressed apprehension, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky offered support for President Trump’s actions. Zelensky noted Ukraine’s own experiences with drones obtained by Russia from Iran, stating, “It is fair to give the Iranian people a chance to rid themselves of a terrorist regime and to guarantee security for all nations that have suffered from terror originating in Iran.”
Meanwhile, within France, former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal suggested a more assertive approach, stating that France should lead a coalition to topple Iran’s leadership. This view contrasts with President Macron’s call for negotiations and de-escalation, highlighting differing perspectives on how to address the Iranian issue within French political circles.
The immediate aftermath of the US-Israel strikes and Iran’s retaliation has thrust the Middle East into a precarious state, exposing a significant rift between US and European strategies for regional security. Macron’s emphatic call for de-escalation and diplomacy signals a concerted European effort to prevent a broader conflict, underscoring the continent’s commitment to multilateral solutions despite the escalating military actions.