Global Times: French President Emmanuel Macron has sharply criticized the US for continuously casting doubt on NATO and making contradictory statements, saying, “We all need stability, calm, a return to peace – this isn’t a show!”
Analysts said the remarks show divisions within the transatlantic alliance have become more pronounced as the US grew irritated that its European allies refused to join its war against Iran. From the perspective of these major European countries, in conflicts between the US and Iran, they have not been respected by the US and are no longer willing to take risks on US behalf.
According to Guardian, during a visit to South Korea on Thursday, Macron accused the US of repeatedly questioning its commitment to remain in NATO, thereby undermining the transatlantic defense alliance. “I believe organizations and alliances like Nato are defined by what is left unsaid – that is, the trust that underpins them,” Macron said. “If you cast doubt on your commitment every day, you erode its very substance.”
In the report, he criticized US President Donald Trump by saying that the matter should be treated “seriously”: “When you want to be serious, you don’t go around saying the opposite every day of what you just said the day before.”
Macron also responded to Trump’s remarks about him and his wife, saying they “weren’t elegant, and they weren’t up to par.” According to the report of The Hill, during a private lunch Trump commented on Macron, saying, Macron’s wife “treats him extremely badly”, and mentioned a scene in May 2025, when Macron visited Vietnam and was filmed seemingly being pushed in the face by his wife before getting off the plane.
Previously, when the US repeatedly requested allies to send forces to the Strait of Hormuz, European countries generally refused.
British Prime Minister Kier Starmer said on Monday the United Kingdom “will not be drawn into the wider war,” while German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said “this is not our war.”
Macron also said that the US’s attempt to forcefully open the strait through military action is “unrealistic,” and added that any solution “can only be done in consultation with Iran.”
Divisions within NATO between US and non-US members are increasingly apparent, Dong Yifan, an associate researcher at the Institute of Country and Regional Studies at Beijing Language and Culture University, told the Global Times.
“In the new round of conflicts in the Middle East, the US has shown no consideration for European interests, nor any respect for Europe. Its actions are undoubtedly a direct coercion, forcing Europe to pick a side,” Dong said. “Especially after experiencing the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Europe is no longer willing to bear costs it cannot accept; for them, the losses outweigh the gains,” Dong added.
Europe’s stance has greatly frustrated the US. Recently, Trump has repeatedly questioned NATO and claimed he is considering withdrawing the US.
In an interview with Reuters this week, Trump said he is “absolutely” considering withdrawing the US from NATO. Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also stated that the US will “re-examine” its relationship with NATO after allies refused to support the US-Israel war in Iran.
Trump also harshly criticized allies who rejected US proposals on Truth Social, saying, “the US won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us.” In another post, he specifically pointed out France’s lack of cooperation.
“The current stance and perception of the US toward its European allies demand that Europe unconditionally support all of the US’ actions and hegemonic claims. This completely undermines the foundation of past traditional cooperation, mutual recognition, and strategic trust between Europe and the US,” Dong said.
