French President Emmanuel Macron broke with the usual careful language of Europe's top leaders Saturday after the United States and Israel launched a joint strike on Iran, calling the developing crisis "dangerous" and demanding an urgent response from the United Nations.
"The ongoing escalation is dangerous for all," Macron said in a statement posted on social media. "It must stop."
"The Iranian regime must understand that it now has no other option but to engage in good faith in negotiations to end its nuclear and ballistic programs, as well as its regional destabilization activities," the French leader continued. "This is absolutely necessary for the security of all in the Middle East."
Macron also called for an urgent meeting of the U.N. Security Council, underscoring France's push to move the confrontation away from military action and back toward diplomacy.
His comments came as European leaders sought distance from the U.S.-led operation while urging renewed talks.
In a statement signed by Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the leaders said: "We call for a resumption of negotiations and urge the Iranian leadership to seek a negotiated solution. Ultimately, the Iranian people must be allowed to determine their future."
"We did not participate in these strikes, but are in close contact with our international partners, including the United States, Israel, and partners in the region," the statement added. "We reiterate our commitment to regional stability and to the protection of civilian life."
Starmer, speaking separately, said the U.K. was focused on regional defense, not offensive operations. He noted that British planes "are in the sky" in the Middle East.
"Our forces are active, and British planes are in the sky today as part of coordinated regional defensive operations to protect our people, our interests and our allies, as Britain has done before," he said.
Starmer also urged a return to negotiations and said Iran should take the first step.
"It is vital that we prevent further escalation and return to a diplomatic process we want to see peace and security and the protection of civilian life," he said.
"Iran can end this now, they should refrain from further strikes, give up their weapons programs and cease the appalling violence and repression against the Iranian people who deserve the right to determine their own future."
Iran retaliated soon after the strike, firing missiles and drones at Israel and at U.S. bases in the region, including in Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, fueling fears among European allies that the conflict could spread.
President Donald Trump vowed the operation would devastate Iran's military and eliminate its nuclear program, while urging Iranians to rise up against Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
"It will be yours to take," Trump said. "This will be probably your only chance for generations."
Nicole Weatherholtz ✉
Nicole Weatherholtz, a Newsmax general assignment reporter covers news, politics, and culture. She is a National Newspaper Association award-winning journalist.
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