Macron's Cutting Remark After Trump's Flip-Flopping Statements on Iran War
French President Emmanuel Macron has assessed that a military operation to free the Strait of Hormuz is not a realistic step. He also regrets the daily statements of US President Donald Trump, which vary on the Iran war and NATO.
“There are parties advocating the liberation of the Strait of Hormuz through violence via military operations, a position sometimes expressed by the United States,” Macron said during his visit to South Korea, as reported by AFP on Thursday (2/4/2026).
“I say sometimes because it varies; it is not a choice we have ever made, and we consider it unrealistic,” he stated.
Macron explained that a military operation in the region would take a long time and carry high risks. He assessed that ships passing through would instead be vulnerable to threats from the coast, including from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, which possesses significant military capabilities.
According to Macron, the best solution must involve Iran. He thus encouraged a ceasefire and a return to diplomatic channels.
“This can only be done together with Iran,” he said.
The Strait of Hormuz itself is a vital route for global oil distribution. The conflict has disrupted the route for several weeks, impacting a rise in global energy prices.
On the other hand, US President Donald Trump is said to have made the reopening of the strait a condition for a ceasefire. Trump also asked countries dependent on the route to help guard it.
In previous statements, Trump even said that countries like Japan, China, and South Korea should take a greater role.
“You know, we only have 45,000 troops in danger there, right next to a nuclear power. Let South Korea do it,” Trump said, referring to North Korea.
“Let Japan do it. They get 90 percent of their oil from that strait. Let China do it. Let them all do it. Why are we doing this?” he added.
Macron expressed his disappointment over Trump’s statements on the conflict. He then mocked Trump’s statements that often change.
“You must be serious. If you want to be serious, you do not say the opposite every day of what you said the day before. And perhaps you should not speak every day,” Macron said.
The French President also said that Trump—who on Wednesday mocked Macron’s marriage and accent—was damaging the NATO alliance.
“If you create doubt every day about your commitments, you will erode it,” Macron added, noting that there is “too much talk… that veers in all directions.”
The comment about his marriage was “not elegant and not up to standard” and “not worth a response.”