Macron slams Gaza offensive, signals Iran sanctions snapback

French President Emmanuel Macron says European powers are preparing to reinstate sanctions on Iran’s nuclear program by the end of the month, citing Tehran’s failure to provide credible commitments.

Emmanuel Macron, French President: "Yes, I think so because the latest news we had from the Iranians are not serious. France has always been a very demanding and clear and consistent player on the Iranian issue… As they are unclear and they don't provide any clear commitment on that, yes, this is a European position and we've worked with our British and German colleagues. We will put the snapback.”

In the same interview, broadcast on Israel’s Channel 12, Macron also condemned Israel’s military offensive in Gaza City, calling it “absolutely unacceptable” and “a huge mistake.”

He announced that France will formally recognize a Palestinian state on Monday at a New York conference co-chaired with Saudi Arabia as the U.N. General Assembly begins.

"We have to recognize the legitimate right of Palestinian people to have a state. And if you don’t give a political perspective, in fact you just put them in the hands of those who are just proposing a security approach, an aggressive approach," Macron said.

The move has angered Israel and the United States. More than 140 countries — including several in Europe — already recognize Palestinian statehood.

Macron further described Israel’s Gaza campaign as “a failure,” saying “so many civilian casualties and victims” have damaged Israel’s credibility “not just in the region but in public opinions everywhere.”

The war has killed at least 65,141 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry, while Hamas-led militants killed 1,200 people in Israel and abducted 251 on October 7.

Macron’s remarks highlight Europe’s dual pressure points in the Middle East — holding Iran accountable on nuclear commitments while pushing for a two-state solution to end the Gaza war.