Macron Calls for Restraint Amid Tensions in the Middle East

French President Emmanuel Macron has urged the Iranian government to exercise “control” following the U.S. bombing of three nuclear sites in Iran over the weekend.

Speaking on Sunday, Macron warned that the Middle East situation could escalate into “uncontrolled escalations.” He emphasized that Iran should show “the greatest restraint” and work towards reopening diplomatic discussions.

While he didn’t directly condemn the U.S. strikes ordered by the Trump administration, Macron remarked that “a strictly military response cannot produce the desired effect.” According to reports, he indicated that resuming diplomatic talks is essential to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and to avoid further destabilization in the region.

The French government has distanced itself from the actions, with Foreign Minister Jean Noel Barott clarifying that France was not involved in the strikes or their planning.

Macron, who traveled to Norway on Monday, is set to lead a Council of Defense meeting in Paris on Tuesday, prior to the NATO summit in The Hague on Wednesday. The meeting will reportedly focus on “de-escalation efforts” and finding diplomatic solutions to manage Iran’s nuclear and ballistic programs.

In Berlin, German Prime Minister Friedrich Merz defended the U.S. attack during a gathering of the German Federation of Industry, stating there was no reason to criticize it, as Iran was seen as pursuing nuclear weapons. He acknowledged the risks involved in the Trump administration’s actions.

Merz also supported a recent Israeli strike on Iran, stating he saw no grounds to condemn Israel for its actions.

Meanwhile, NATO Executive Director Mark Latte defended the U.S. bombing during a press conference, rejecting claims that it violated international law. His comments came ahead of the important NATO summit in The Hague, where discussions will also cover wars in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. The summit might also address President Trump’s request for NATO members to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP over the next decade.

Latte characterized the agreement to rule out socialist Spain as a “quantum leap” in NATO’s capabilities, calling it an “ambitious, historical and fundamental” development for ensuring future security.