Macron: Strikes will not resolve the Iranian nuclear crisis; we call for diplomacy
French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated his country's firm stance that military action and strikes against Iran would not resolve the complex crisis surrounding its nuclear program. In significant remarks during a meeting of the Defense Council at the Élysée Palace, Macron emphasized that the only way to address this global challenge is through a return to diplomacy, affirming that France was neither involved in nor informed of any potential US-Israeli attack on Iran.
Historical background of the Iranian nuclear program
The tension surrounding Iran's nuclear program has roots that stretch back decades, with Iran's uranium enrichment activities raising concerns within the international community that Tehran was seeking to develop nuclear weapons. Diplomatic efforts culminated in 2015 with the signing of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the nuclear agreement, between Iran and the P5+1 group of nations: the United States, France, Britain, Russia, China, and Germany. Under this agreement, Iran agreed to strict limitations on its nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.
The impact of the US withdrawal and escalating tensions
The Iranian nuclear issue reached a critical turning point in 2018 when the then-US administration unilaterally withdrew from the agreement and reimposed harsh economic sanctions on Tehran as part of its “maximum pressure” campaign. In response, Iran began gradually reducing its compliance with the agreement’s commitments and increased its uranium enrichment levels, bringing the crisis back to the forefront, escalating tensions in the Middle East, and reintroducing the military option as a possible scenario.
The importance and impact of the French position
President Macron's remarks reflect the general European, and particularly the French, stance, which is striving to preserve what remains of the nuclear agreement and keep channels of dialogue open with Tehran. Macron clarified that the solution cannot be limited to military strikes, stating, "No one can believe that the issue of the Iranian nuclear program, ballistic missile activity, and regional destabilization will be resolved simply through strikes." He added that such actions would not guarantee "the legitimate rights of the Iranian people to have their voices heard.".
Regionally, the French position aims to prevent the Middle East, already suffering from multiple crises, from entering a new cycle of violence that could have dire consequences for global energy security and international stability. Macron also emphasized that France's absolute priority is ensuring the safety of its citizens and military bases in the region, and standing by its allies affected by the tensions, particularly the Gulf states.
