'You have to be serious': Emmanuel Macron slams Donald Trump over mixed signals on Middle East

He said leaders must be consistent and serious in their communication.

“You have to be serious,” Macron told the media. He added that one should not say the opposite of what was said the previous day.

“Perhaps you shouldn’t talk every day,” he remarked.

‘Trump has undermined NATO’

During a visit to South Korea, Macron said Trump has weakened the NATO alliance. He said repeated doubts about US commitment are damaging.

“If you create daily doubt, you hollow it out,” Macron said. He added that there is too much inconsistent messaging.

Trump, meanwhile, said he is considering pulling the United States out of NATO. He called the alliance a “paper tiger.” He said withdrawal is now “beyond reconsideration.”

Trump also claimed the US has spent trillions on NATO while getting little in return.

‘There must be a ceasefire’

Macron also spoke about the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. He said military action to “liberate” the strait is unrealistic.

He warned such an operation would take a long time. It would also expose ships to threats from Iran’s forces, including missiles and coastal defenses.

“This can only be done in concert with Iran,” Macron said. He stressed that a ceasefire is essential. He also called for a return to negotiations.

Tensions remain high

Despite US claims that Iran’s military has been weakened, Tehran continues to control traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Nearly 20% of the world’s oil and gas passes through it.

Iran has said it will allow ships from “non-hostile” countries to pass. These are nations that do not support actions against Iran.