French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday criticized the recent US and Israeli military strikes on Iran, saying the operations were carried out outside the framework of international law and could not be approved.

Addressing the nation amid rising tensions in the Middle East, Macron said the United States and Israel had decided to launch military action without legal backing under international norms. He stressed that France does not support such actions.

Macron renewed his call for an immediate halt to all airstrikes and urged a return to diplomatic negotiations to secure lasting peace in the region.

He said France has strengthened security at its military bases and embassies across the Middle East. On the home front, he noted that the government has reinforced the Sentinel military protection system and stepped up vigilance at sensitive sites and for individuals considered at risk.

The French president also underlined France’s defense commitments with regional partners. He reminded that Paris has defense agreements with Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, and strong security ties with Jordan and Iraq.

Macron said French forces acted swiftly in what he described as legitimate self defense, intercepting drones in the early hours of the conflict to protect allied airspace. He added that Rafale fighter jets, air defense systems and airborne radar units have been deployed in recent hours. He also confirmed sending additional air defense assets to the Greek Cypriot Administration.

Turning to Lebanon, Macron warned that the conflict is spreading. He said Hezbollah had made a serious mistake by striking Israel and putting Lebanese civilians at risk. He cautioned that any Israeli ground operation in Lebanon would be a dangerous escalation and a strategic error.

Macron urged Israel to respect Lebanon’s territorial integrity and avoid steps that could widen the war further.