French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump's comments about NATO during a visit to South Korea on Thursday, April 2, 2026. According to Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, Macron also dismissed the feasibility of a military operation to secure the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing Iran war.
Macron stated that a military operation to 'liberate' the Strait of Hormuz would be 'directly unrealistic' due to the extensive preparations required and direct threats from Iran's Revolutionary Guard. The French president was responding to American suggestions about European efforts to secure transportation through the strategic waterway.
a military operation to 'liberate' the Strait of Hormuz would be 'directly unrealistic' due to the extensive preparations required and direct threats from Iran's Revolutionary Guard
Regarding Trump's comments about NATO's future, Macron reportedly said the former U.S. president 'creates daily uncertainties about (U.S.) commitments, which means (NATO) is being eroded.' Macron added that there is 'too much talk, in all different directions' regarding these matters.
The French leader's comments highlight ongoing tensions in transatlantic relations and differing approaches to security challenges in the Middle East. Macron's visit to South Korea comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions involving Iran, NATO commitments, and strategic waterways.
the former U.S. president 'creates daily uncertainties about (U.S.) commitments, which means (NATO) is being eroded'
there is 'too much talk, in all different directions' regarding these matters