Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has strongly criticised French President Emmanuel Macron, accusing him of showing “selective concern” over civilian infrastructure attacks amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
The sharp response came after Macron urged for an immediate pause on strikes targeting civilian infrastructure, particularly energy and water facilities, following recent attacks affecting gas production sites in the region.
Macron has not uttered one word of condemnation of the Israel-US war on Iran. He did not condemn Israel when it blew up fuel storage in Tehran, exposing millions to toxins. His current "concern" didn't follow Israel's attack on our gas facilities. It follows our retaliation. Sad! https://t.co/lyfGbRm9NB
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) March 19, 2026
Araghchi Questions Macron’s Silence on Earlier Strikes
Reacting to Macron’s remarks, Araghchi pointed out that the French leader had not condemned earlier strikes carried out by Israel and the US on Iranian territory.
“Macron has not uttered one word of condemnation of the Israel-US war on Iran. He did not condemn Israel when it blew up fuel storage in Tehran, exposing millions to toxins,” Araghchi said.
He further argued that France’s concern appeared only after Iran’s retaliation, adding, “His current concern didn’t follow Israel’s attack on our gas facilities. It follows our retaliation. Sad!”
The remarks reflect growing frustration in Tehran over what it perceives as biased responses from Western leaders during the conflict.
Macron Calls for Immediate Protection of Civilian Infrastructure
Earlier, Macron said he had spoken with key leaders, including US President Donald Trump and Qatar’s Emir, following strikes on energy infrastructure.
Highlighting the risks of escalation, Macron stressed the need for:
- An immediate moratorium on attacks targeting civilian infrastructure
- Protection of essential services such as energy and water supply
- Safeguarding civilian populations from the consequences of military escalation
“It is in our common interest to implement, without delay, a moratorium on strikes targeting civilian infrastructure,” Macron stated.
France Distances Itself From Direct Military Involvement
Responding to calls from Donald Trump for allied support in securing maritime routes, Macron clarified France’s position regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
He said France is open to contributing to maritime security efforts, but:
- Only through a mission separate from ongoing military operations
- Not as part of combat actions linked to the conflict
- With a focus on diplomatic engagement and de-escalation with Iran
“We are not a party to the conflict,” Macron emphasised, adding that any mission would require dialogue and careful coordination.
Conflict Continues to Escalate Across the Region
The tensions stem from a joint military operation launched earlier this year by the United States and Israel against Iran.
- Donald Trump has defended the strikes as necessary to counter security threats
- Iran responded with missile attacks targeting Israeli territory
- Key energy infrastructure, including gas facilities, has been hit in the escalation
The conflict has also intensified concerns around the stability of global energy supply routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for oil shipments worldwide.
Global Implications and Diplomatic Divide
The exchange between Tehran and Paris highlights a widening diplomatic rift:
- Iran accuses Western nations of double standards
- European leaders push for restraint and protection of civilians
- Allies remain divided on direct military involvement
As tensions persist, the focus remains on whether diplomatic efforts can prevent further escalation or if the conflict will continue to widen, impacting global security and energy markets.