French President Emmanuel Macron has said that France is "not waging war" in the Middle East and will not get involved in the ongoing conflict in the region.
"I understand very well and I hear your concern, but I wanted to be very clear. France is not part of this war. We are not at war and we will not get involved in this war," Macron said.
He stressed that Paris' actions in the region are focused on protecting its citizens and allies and not on participating in the conflict.
"France is not waging war in the region. It is defending French men and women, its allies, and standing with Lebanon," the French president added.
The French state has reportedly deployed additional military assets to the region, including the French aircraft carrier "Charles de Gaulle", as tensions rise following Israeli and American attacks on Iran and Tehran's subsequent retaliation.
According to Macron, the troop deployments are intended to help allies intercept drones and missiles and protect sea lanes.
"We are mobilizing in a completely peaceful way to secure maritime traffic," he said.
Macron also stated that France is seeking to build a coalition with partners to protect sea lanes in the region that are "essential for the global economy," while stressing that Paris intends to act with restraint.
"We will try to be as reasonable and peaceful as possible because this is France's role," he concluded. /AA/
