French President Emmanuel Macron made clear that France will not engage in direct military intervention in connection with the war in the Middle East.
On the 5th (local time), in an audio message posted to his Instagram, Macron responded to a teenager who asked, "Can you eliminate war?" by saying, "To be clear, you will not fight a war at all."
Macron said, "France is not taking part in this war," adding, "We will not enter into combat, and we will not intervene in this war."
However, Macron noted that Iran, which was attacked by the United States and Israel, is striking multiple areas, and said France is continuing support to protect its nationals and allies on the ground.
He also cited the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan as France's allies, saying, "We are helping these countries defend themselves and respond to drone and missile attacks."
He also mentioned that a significant share of global trade is being affected by this war and that supplies of oil and gas are being disrupted. Macron said, "France is working to ensure the safety of maritime traffic and to support the navigation of ships and tankers."
In particular, Macron referred to the situation in which Lebanon has been drawn into the war as Hezbollah, a Lebanese armed faction, supports Iran, saying, "France supports Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity. We will seek the most reasonable and peaceful solution possible."
France has deep cultural, political and economic ties with Lebanon, as it administered the Lebanese region—formerly Ottoman Empire territory—after World War I.