Macron rejects Russian mediation in Israel-Iran conflict

Monday 16 June 2025 - 10:33

By: Zahouani Ilham

Macron rejects Russian mediation in Israel-Iran conflict

French President Emmanuel Macron has dismissed the idea that Russian President Vladimir Putin could act as a mediator in the growing tensions between Israel and Iran, a role recently proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Speaking during a visit to Greenland, Macron expressed firm skepticism: “I do not believe that Russia currently involved in a high-intensity conflict and having violated the United Nations Charter for several years can play any role as a mediator.”

Earlier, Trump had suggested he was “open” to Putin mediating the conflict, noting that U.S. involvement in the region remains possible.

Macron emphasized that the United States, together with European allies, holds a more legitimate capacity to bring the parties back to the negotiating table, particularly because of its central role in nuclear agreements and Israel’s reliance on American arms and ammunition.

Regarding the war in Ukraine, Macron said he plans to use the upcoming G7 summit to assess whether Trump would support stronger sanctions against Russia if it refuses to consider a ceasefire.

“This is one of the key topics we’ll discuss ahead of the NATO summit,” he added. “It’s a moment for Europeans to reengage alongside the Americans and other allies, including Canada and Japan.”