French President Emmanuel Macron said his country is not waging war in the Middle East and will not get involved in the current conflict in the region.
Macron said this in a message shared on Instagram.
"I understand and hear your concerns very well, but I want to be absolutely clear. France is not part of this war. We are not fighting and we will not get involved in this war," Macron said.
He stressed that Paris' activities in the region are aimed at protecting French citizens and allies, and not participating in the conflict.
"France is not waging war in this region. It defends the French people, its allies and stands by Lebanon," Macron said.
France has deployed additional military capabilities to the region, including the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, as tensions rise following Israeli and American attacks on Iran and Tehran's retaliatory moves.
According to Macron, the deployment of forces aims to help allies intercept drones and missiles and protect sea lanes.
"We are mobilizing in a completely peaceful way in order to try to secure maritime traffic," he said.
Macron also said France is seeking to form a coalition with partners to protect sea lanes in the region that are essential to the global economy, stressing that Paris intends to act with restraint.
"We will try to be as reasonable and peaceful as possible, because that is France's role," he added.
