STORY: France has a "strictly defensive" position in the Middle Eastern conflict and will continue promoting de-escalation, President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday night (March 19) after a European summit in Brussels.

Macron said that defending international law and promoting de-escalation "is a fair and proportionate position, and it is the best we can do."

The French president also recalled all parties in the conflict to immediately implement a "moratorium on strikes targeting civilian infrastructure," especially water and energy facilities.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

De-escalation in Gulf is 'best what we can do', France's Macron says

VIDEO SHOWS: FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON GIVING PRESS CONFERENCE AFTER EU SUMMIT

EDITOR'S NOTE: PRESS CONFERENCE STARTED ON MARCH 19, 2026 AND ENDED ON MARCH 20, 2026. SHOTLIST NOTES WHICH SOUNDBITES WERE MADE BEFORE AND AFTER MIDNIGHT.

RESENDING WITH COMPLETE SCRIPT

SHOWS: BRUSSELS, BELGIUM (MARCH 19, 2026) (REUTERS - Access all)

1. FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON ARRIVING FOR PRESS CONFERENCE

2. (SOUNDBITE) (French) FRENCH PRESIDENT, EMMANUEL MACRON, SAYING:

"I reiterated France’s position in this conflict. It is strictly defensive. It aims to protect our nationals and our interests, to support our regional allies, to preserve freedom of navigation and maritime security, and to do everything possible to help de-escalate."

3. PRESS CONFERENCE ONGOING

4. (SOUNDBITE) (French) FRENCH PRESIDENT, EMMANUEL MACRON, SAYING:

"We have called for the immediate implementation of a moratorium on strikes targeting civilian infrastructure, particularly energy and water facilities. Indeed, civilian populations, their essential needs, and the security of energy supplies must be protected from any escalation."

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM (MARCH 20, 2026) (REUTERS - Access all)

5. PRESS CONFERENCE ONGOING

6. (SOUNDBITE) (French) FRENCH PRESIDENT, EMMANUEL MACRON, SAYING:

"I have not heard anyone here (other EU leaders) express a willingness to enter this conflict — quite the opposite. And I do not believe that taking part in an escalation, should one occur, would in any way resolve the international situation or its consequences for our economies. So I believe that the position we have taken — which consists first of defending international law, trying to be loyal and reliable partners for our allies and those with whom we have agreements, and helping to promote de‑escalation and freedom of navigation — is a fair and proportionate position, and it is the best we can do."

7. MACRON LEAVING