French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday that France has repeatedly condemned Iran's nuclear program and that it "reaffirms Israel’s right to defend itself and ensure its security" after Israel launched strikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities. However, he also called on all parties to "exercise maximum restraint and to de-escalate."

Macron said he spoke with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States, adding that France is ready to work with all its partners to push for de-escalation in the Near and Middle East. "Peace and security for all in the region must remain our guiding principle," he concluded.