Macron Calls for UN Security Council Meeting as US-Israel Strikes on Iran Escalate

French President Emmanuel Macron has urgently called for a meeting of the United Nations Security Council following unprecedented strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran. The escalating conflict, which began with strikes on Saturday, February 28, 2026, has raised concerns about regional stability and prompted international calls for de-escalation.

Growing International Concern

The strikes, which resulted in the death of Iran’s supreme leader, were conducted “outside of international law,” according to Macron and Paris “cannot approve of them.” This stance aligns France with Spain, whose Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez publicly condemned the war as illegal and restricted U.S. Military access to Spanish bases, leading to trade threats from U.S. President Donald Trump.

France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have consistently urged Iran to end its nuclear program, curb its ballistic missile program, and cease destabilizing activities in the region. Whereas not participating in the strikes, these nations remain in close contact with international partners, including the United States and Israel.

French Military Deployment

To protect French interests in the Middle East, Macron announced the deployment of the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean Sea, accompanied by fighter jets and air defense systems. France has also sent anti-missile systems to Cyprus, a European Union member state with which France has a strategic partnership.

Diplomatic Efforts and Iranian Responsibility

French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, discussed the situation with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, emphasizing Iran’s responsibility for the escalation due to its refusal to comply with Security Council resolutions regarding its nuclear program and support for non-state armed groups. Both ministers agreed on the need for de-escalation and a political resolution that guarantees collective security and addresses the aspirations of the Iranian people.

Macron has warned that the conflict does not have an obvious end in sight, anticipating continued strikes to weaken Iran and retaliatory attacks throughout the region.

Call for Negotiations

The joint statement from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom calls for a resumption of negotiations and urges Iranian leadership to seek a negotiated solution. the statement emphasizes that the Iranian people must be allowed to determine their future.