President Emmanuel Macron used a private Instagram message on Thursday to directly address a young woman’s fears about conflict in the Middle East, firmly stating that France is “not at war” in the region and will not become engaged in combat.
A Direct Response to Public Concern
Responding to a user who asked if he could “remove the war,” Macron acknowledged her anxiety. “I understand very well and I hear your concern,” he said, before offering reassurance: “You are not going to war at all. You are going to continue to live.” The user had expressed worry about repercussions from Israeli-American operations against Iran.
France’s Role: Protection and Maritime Security
Macron was unequivocal about France’s position. “France is not part of this war. We are not in combat and we are not going to engage in this war,” he declared. He outlined France’s objectives as protecting its citizens and allies, and standing with Lebanon.
He explained that military reinforcements, including the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, have been deployed to the Near and Middle East. Their mission, he said, is defensive: to help allies intercept drones and missiles following retaliatory strikes from Iran.
“In a completely peaceful manner, we are mobilizing to try to secure maritime traffic,” Macron continued, referencing his Tuesday announcement about building a coalition to protect vital global shipping lanes in the region.
Positioning as a Mediator for Lebanon
The President positioned France as a force for restraint, stating it would try to be “as reasonable and peaceful as possible because that is France’s role.” He has actively sought to mediate to prevent the Gaza conflict from spilling over into Lebanon, where Israel exchanges fire with the Iranian-backed Hezbollah.
In an earlier post on X, Macron issued an alarmist message, agreeing with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun that “everything must be done to prevent this country, which is close to France, from being dragged into war again.”
