Quebec City: French President Emmanuel Macron has cautioned against attempting to force a regime change in Iran, describing it as a "strategic mistake," and has called for an immediate halt to strikes targeting civilians in both Iran and Israel. Speaking at the G7 summit in Canada, Macron emphasized the failure of external military interventions to bring about stability.
According to Anadolu Agency, Macron reiterated that bombing from the outside cannot save a country against its will and strongly condemned attacks on civilian areas and infrastructure. He stressed the necessity of ending all strikes against energy, administrative, cultural infrastructure, and civilians, labeling them as unjustifiable and intolerable.
The G7 communique issued alongside Macron's statements identified Iran as a primary source of instability and terrorism in the region amid escalating tensions over Tehran's nuclear activities. Macron advocated for the resumption of discussions, expressing that seeking regime change through military means would lead to chaos. Instead, he called for negotiations to address both the nuclear and ballistic missile issues.
Macron urged for "de-escalation" and a "return to stability" in the region, highlighting the role of the US in facilitating negotiations. He mentioned his relationship with President Donald Trump, noting Trump's consistent efforts to achieve peace without engaging in military operations. Macron responded to Trump's criticism over his early departure from the G7 summit, calling it a "twist," and maintained that the focus should remain on diplomatic solutions.
Macron outlined priorities in the region, including an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, resumption of humanitarian aid, and the restart of a political process as the only viable path forward. He also noted that a ceasefire and talks with Iran were crucial.
The backdrop of these statements is the recent escalation of regional tensions following Israel's airstrikes on multiple sites across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities, which prompted retaliatory strikes from Tehran.