Macron: Russia has no credibility to mediate in Israel-Iran conflict

French President Emmanuel Macron has firmly dismissed US President Donald Trump’s suggestion that Russian President Vladimir Putin could mediate the escalating crisis between Israel and Iran.

Speaking during a visit to Greenland on June 15, Macron questioned Russia’s credibility to act as a neutral intermediary given its ongoing conflict in Ukraine and disregard for international norms, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Trump expressed openness to Putin’s role in brokering peace between Israel and Iran. However, Macron stated unequivocally, “I do not believe that Russia, which is now engaged in a high-intensity conflict and has decided not to respect the UN Charter for several years now, can be a mediator.”

Macron also clarified France’s position regarding the regional conflict, affirming that “France did not take part in any of Israel’s attacks against Iran.”

The French president’s remarks came amid his visit to Greenland—a self-governing territory of Denmark, which has been the subject of controversial US interest. Trump has previously threatened to annex Greenland, a mineral-rich and strategically significant Arctic island. During a joint press conference with Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland’s Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen, Macron warned of “predatory ambition” threatening the island’s sovereignty.

“Greenland is not to be sold, not to be taken,” Macron declared. He also noted his conversations with Trump prior to the visit and expressed optimism for dialogue at the upcoming Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada: “I think there is a way forward in order to clearly build a better future in cooperation and not in provocation or confrontation.”

While acknowledging Trump’s aggressive rhetoric, Macron expressed confidence in the enduring alliance between the United States and its partners. “I don’t believe that in the end, the US, which is an ally and a friend, will ever do something aggressive against another ally,” he said, adding, “I believe the United States of America remains engaged in NATO and our key and historical alliances.”

Trump’s vice president, JD Vance, visited a US military base in Greenland in March, intensifying concerns about the US intentions toward the island. Macron’s visit marks the first by a foreign leader since Trump’s explicit annexation threats.

Public opinion polls reflect widespread opposition to any US annexation: a recent IFOP survey for NYC.eu found that 77 per cent of French citizens and 56 per cent of Americans disapprove of such a move, with 43 per cent of the French willing to support military action to prevent it.

Denmark’s Frederiksen has actively sought European and French support in response to US posturing, including ordering French-made surface-to-air missile systems—signaling a strategic shift in Copenhagen’s defence policy amid Arctic tensions.

By Vafa Guliyeva