Macron Hints at Possible Hormuz Deployment: "Ready to Be More Involved"

French President Emmanuel Macron has hinted at a willingness to deploy troops to ensure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Visiting the United States to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York, President Macron responded "yes" when asked in an interview with U.S. broadcaster ABC released on September 23 (local time) whether France intends to commit forces to reopen the strait, adding, "We don't want to confront any country, but we are ready to be more proactive in making this navigation possible."

He stated that a primary goal of his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on September 21 was "to reach an appropriate agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resolve the global energy crisis."

At the same time, he criticized the U.S. waging a war with Iran as a mistake.

"I don't think regime change in a country through airstrikes is feasible," President Macron said. "Decades ago, we made this mistake several times."

He also pointed out that Iran realized it held the card of blocking the Strait of Hormuz only after the war broke out, noting that the U.S. may have underestimated the situation regarding the strait.

Asked whether President Trump failed to foresee this point, he remarked, "I won't blame anyone, but we are in this situation now, the U.S. can fix this, and we need the U.S."

He also expressed concern regarding observations that Russia could attack the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) within months.

President Macron drew a line by stating that he does not believe Russian President Vladimir Putin's claims of having no intention to attack.

He added that he had a good conversation with President Trump regarding the Ukraine issue and is confident that President Trump is now making a fair assessment of the situation.

Regarding his relationship with President Trump, he stated that they maintain a "very good relationship" and that although they sometimes disagree, "we have always been extremely frank with each other."

Furthermore, addressing the controversy over artificial intelligence (AI) potentially posing a threat to humanity, President Macron emphasized, "We are taking this very seriously. This is why we need to clarify this issue, ensure transparency, and cooperate to establish new regulations."

He added that international discussions are necessary, stating, "We must address the risks of AI through proper discussions with the U.S., China, Europe, and other countries around the world."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.