NATO at risk? Macron warns over Trump’s mixed signals
French President Emmanuel Macron has sharply criticised US President Donald Trump over what he described as inconsistent messaging on the Iran conflict, warning that such statements risk undermining global alliances and escalating tensions.
Speaking during his state visit to South Korea on Thursday, Macron took aim at Trump’s shifting stance on the Middle East crisis, saying clarity and consistency were essential in times of conflict.
“You have to be serious. When you want to be serious, you don’t say the opposite every day of what you said the day before. And perhaps you shouldn’t talk every day“, he said.
‘Trump Has Undermined NATO’
Macron also expressed concern over the impact of Trump’s remarks on the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), suggesting that repeated contradictions were eroding trust among allies.
“If you create daily doubt about your commitment, you hollow it out,” Macron said, adding that there is “too much talk … going off in all directions.”
His comments came amid reports that Trump is considering pulling the United States out of NATO, following dissatisfaction with allied support during the ongoing military operations against Iran.
“Oh yes, I would say [it’s] beyond reconsideration,” Trump said when asked about the possibility of exiting the alliance.
Trump has also criticised NATO members for not backing US actions, stating that Washington has spent “trillions of dollars on NATO” while receiving limited support in return. He has previously described the alliance as a “paper tiger“.
Macron Calls For Ceasefire, Rejects Military Option
Addressing the growing tensions in the Gulf, Macron warned against military intervention to secure the Strait of Hormuz, calling such proposals impractical and risky.
“There are those who advocate for the liberation of the Strait of Hormuz by force through a military operation, a position sometimes expressed by the United States. It is unrealistic because it would take an inordinate amount of time and would expose anyone crossing the strait to coastal threats from the (Iranian) Revolutionary Guards, who possess significant resources, as well as ballistic missiles, (and) a host of other risks,” he said.
He emphasised that any resolution to the crisis must involve diplomatic engagement with Iran.
“This can only be done in concert with Iran. So, first and foremost, there must be a ceasefire and a resumption of negotiations,” he added.
Tensions Persist In Strategic Waterway
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical flashpoint in the conflict, with nearly 20 per cent of the world’s oil and gas supplies passing through the narrow corridor. Despite US claims that Iran’s military capabilities have been significantly weakened, Tehran continues to exert influence over maritime traffic in the region.
Iran has recently indicated that it would allow passage to ships from “non-hostile” nations that do not support actions against it, underscoring the fragile and volatile nature of the situation.
As divisions deepen between the United States and its European allies, Macron’s remarks highlight growing concerns over the direction of Western strategy in the Iran conflict and the future of transatlantic cooperation.
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