US President Donald Trump has criticised French President Emmanuel Macron after France declined to join a US-led multinational task force aimed at securing the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Tuesday (March 17), Trump questioned Macron’s leadership, saying, “Well, he’ll be out of office very soon. So, we’ll have to see. I don’t know.”
His remarks followed Macron’s statement at a French Defence Council meeting that France would not participate in military operations related to the current conflict.
“We are not party to the conflict, and therefore France will never participate in operations to open or liberate the Strait of Hormuz in the current context,” Macron said.
The disagreement highlights growing divisions between the United States and key European allies over how to respond to escalating tensions linked to the Iran conflict and disruptions in the Gulf region.
Trump also criticised British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for not providing military support, including minesweepers, to assist in securing the strait, expressing disappointment over the United Kingdom’s position.
Despite the criticism, Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin defended European cooperation with the United States, stressing the importance of maintaining strong transatlantic relations.
Meanwhile, Trump expressed confidence that the Strait of Hormuz would soon be secured, claiming that US operations were making progress, although he did not provide specific details or a timeline.
France’s next presidential election is scheduled for April 2027.
