Trump to cut short G7 visit, citing Middle East
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The French-Israeli relationship has always been turbulent, but the prospect that President Emmanuel Macron may recognize a Palestinian state has brought tension to a new level.
Germany, France and Britain are ready to hold immediate talks with Iran over Tehran's nuclear programme in an effort to de-escalate the situation in the Middle East, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said.
Germany, Britain and France are harshly critical of Israel in Gaza but have its back with Iran. Why?
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also spoke with Netanyahu. “Israel has the right to defend its existence and the security of its citizens,” he said Sunday in a social media post. “Iran’s nuclear weapons program is an existential threat to the State of Israel.”
Israel called the move “outrageous.” A French official said Israeli companies were defying an agreement not to display so-called offensive weapons.
France has closed four Israeli company stands at the Paris Airshow, citing display of offensive weapons. The move has angered Israel and highlighted tensions amidst their alliance. French authorities mandated the removal of certain displays,
FILE PHOTO: France's President Emmanuel Macron, Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz speak during a Ukraine security meeting at the 6th European Political Community summit on May 16, 2025 at Skanderbeg Square in Tirana, Albania. Leon Neal/Pool via REUTERS/ File Photo
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday that Iran bore a heavy responsibility for destabilisation of the Middle East and that it had pushed ahead with an unjustified nuclear programme, but he also urged restraint after Israel struck Iran.
A top-level U.N. conference on a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians scheduled for next week has been postponed amid surging tensions in the Middle East, French President Emmanuel Macron said Friday.
PARIS (Reuters) -France has no reason to change its diplomatic personnel staffing in the Middle East at this stage, a French foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday. "There is no reason that would justify a change in our diplomatic personnel at the moment, but we are following the situation closely," the spokesperson told reporters.
Global air traffic has been disrupted following Israel’s strikes on Iran Friday, with several major airlines suspending flights to and from locations in the Middle East and rerouting their planes to avoid much of the region’s airspace.
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