“The United States of America and Israel have decided to launch military operations carried out outside the framework of international law, which we cannot approve,” Macron said, continuing: “The Islamic Republic of Iran bears the main responsibility for this situation.”
“History never mourns the executioners of its nation, and none of them will be spared,” he commented on the death of Ayatollah Khamenei. “I hope that Iranians will be able to decide their own fate,” he added.
Two French bases were damaged in the conflict. “The limited strikes caused material damage,” Macron said. The aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is immediately deployed in the Mediterranean.
France has deployed Rafale jets, anti-aircraft systems and airborne radars to the Middle East.
Security is also increasing on French territory. “At my request, the government has strengthened the Sentinelle military protection system and the security of strategic places and people,” the French president said. He announced that France is taking the initiative to restore traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, which is strategic for transporting oil and liquefied gas, but also in the Suez Canal and the Red Sea.
“We are taking the initiative to create a coalition that will combine resources, including the military, to restore and secure traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Red Sea, maritime routes essential to the world economy,” Macron said.
At the same time, he warned against an Israeli ground operation in Lebanon. “In the last hours, the war is spreading to Lebanon, from where Hezbollah made a big mistake by attacking Israel and putting Lebanese people in danger,” Macron said in his speech. “Israel would decide on a ground operation: that would also be a dangerous escalation and a strategic mistake,” he added, urging him to “respect Lebanese territory and its integrity.”
