politics
April 2, 2026
‘You have to be serious’: Macron criticises Trump’s mixed messages about Nato and Iran
Speaking in South Korea, the French president defended the transatlantic alliance and called for return to peace

TL;DR
- Emmanuel Macron criticized Donald Trump's daily changing statements on the Iran war and NATO, calling for seriousness and stability.
- Macron defended NATO, stating that Trump's doubts undermine the alliance's trust and substance.
- The comments were made during Macron's state visit to South Korea.
- Trump has sent mixed signals about the Iran war and US commitment to NATO, even suggesting withdrawal.
- European leaders and US senators have defended NATO, while Poland's PM sees Trump's threats as beneficial to Russia.
- EU diplomats view Trump's attacks on NATO as reflective of his difficult situation, waiting for concrete actions.
- Legislation passed in 2023 requires Congressional approval for a US withdrawal from NATO.
- European leaders face political pressure over the war, which has caused energy crises and inflation.
- France considers a military operation to free the Strait of Hormuz unrealistic and proposes phased diplomatic and economic solutions in consultation with Iran.
- Macron stated that US and Israeli strikes would not resolve Iran's nuclear program long-term without diplomatic negotiations.
- Iran responded with warnings of 'more crushing, broader and more destructive' attacks and stated no direct negotiation with the US is occurring.
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