Macron warns West regime change in Iran would be 'strategic error'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
17 Jun 2025 09:24
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Macron criticizes the bombing of Iranian civilians and warns Western leaders that military pressure and external interference risk fueling greater instability.

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France's President Emmanuel Macron arrives during the official welcome of the G7 Summit, Monday, June 16, 2025, in Kananaskis, Canada (AP)

French President Emmanuel Macron called for an immediate end to the targeting of civilians in the ongoing Israeli war on Iran and cautioned against any Western effort to pursue regime change in Tehran. Speaking at the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Canada, on Tuesday, Macron warned that forcing regime change in Tehran would be a "strategic error."

His remarks came as the Israeli occupation continued to strike Iranian cities, resulting in mounting civilian casualties, including women and children. Macron’s statement contrasted sharply with the more militarized postures of other Western leaders, as he insisted that diplomacy, not destabilization, must remain the priority.

#Iranian air defense systems are currently active, intercepting hostile targets over #Tehran. pic.twitter.com/m8tUbqN52K
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) June 16, 2025

“All who have thought that by bombing from the outside you can save a country in spite of itself have always been mistaken,” Macron told reporters. The French president underlined that external interferences aimed at toppling sovereign governments often lead to catastrophic outcomes, implicitly referencing the West’s past failures in countries like Iraq and Libya.

Macron's warning comes at a time when voices in Washington and Tel Aviv are increasingly calling for escalatory measures. The Israeli entity has justified its bombing campaign under the pretext of targeting “regime-linked sites,” despite overwhelming civilian death tolls. Iran, meanwhile, maintains that it is acting in self-defense amid a clear pattern of aggression targeting the country.

White House confirms Trump left G7 early

Shortly before Macron’s comments, the White House announced that US President Donald Trump left the G7 summit early, reportedly to address the intensifying Middle East situation. Reports claim that the US has been engaged in back-channel talks, exploring the possibility of brokering a ceasefire.

The move came just hours after Trump issued a disturbing warning to residents of the Iranian capital, calling for an immediate evacuation.

"Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!" the US president wrote on his Truth Social platform.

Macron welcomed any diplomatic initiative, stating, “If the United States can achieve a ceasefire, that’s a very good thing.” However, he warned against coupling ceasefire efforts with broader agendas of regime change, emphasizing that such strategies risk inflaming the region further.

The French leader’s comments reflect growing concern in Europe over the reckless trajectory of the Israeli aggression. While many Western nations have hesitated to directly criticize the Israeli occupation, Macron’s public condemnation of strikes on civilians signals a more measured and pragmatic European position.