MARCH 31, 2026
France’s President Emmanuel Macron addresses a national defence council meeting at The Elysee Presidential Palace following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, in Paris, France February 28, 2026. Anna Kurth/Pool via REUTERS
PARIS – France is “surprised” by U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments singling out Paris for not authorising planes headed to Israel fly over its territory, saying it had been its position from the start of the war with Iran.
“We are surprised by this tweet. France has not changed its position since day one (of the conflict) and we confirm this decision,” President Emmanuel Macron’s office said.
Trump said in a post on Truth Social that France had been “very unhelpful” and that the United States would “remember”.
The French military said on March 5 that France would not authorise the use of French bases by American planes if they took part in attacks on Iran, but would allow it on a “temporary basis” if they were in support of the defence of French allies in the region.
Courtesy/Source: Reuters
