Macron Hits Back at Trump, Says Marriage Jibe “Not Worth a Response”

French President Emmanuel Macron has dismissed mocking remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump about his marriage, saying the comments “do not merit a response” and are “neither elegant nor up to standard.” The diplomatic spat comes at a sensitive time, as global attention remains fixed on the escalating crisis in the Middle East and growing divisions within NATO.

Speaking during an official visit to Seoul, Macron—accompanied by his wife Brigitte Macron—refused to engage in a war of words with Trump, stressing that global leaders must focus on urgent priorities rather than personal insults. “So I am not going to respond to them — they do not merit a response,” he said, while emphasizing the need for calm diplomacy, peace efforts, and de-escalation in the Middle East. He warned against excessive rhetoric, adding: “There is too much talk, and it’s all over the place… We all need stability, calm, a return to peace — this isn’t a show.”

The controversy began after Trump mocked Macron and his wife during a private engagement, as he criticized NATO allies for not supporting U.S.-aligned military actions tied to Iran. According to reports, Trump imitated Macron with a French accent, claimed Brigitte Macron “treats him extremely badly,” and suggested Macron was still “recovering from the right to the jaw.” The remark referenced a 2025 viral video incident, which Macron previously dismissed as disinformation, insisting it was harmless joking. Trump also renewed criticism of NATO, describing the alliance as a “paper tiger” and questioning its reliability in future global conflicts.

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The exchange highlights widening cracks between the United States and European allies over strategy in the Middle East. Macron has consistently advocated for ceasefire negotiations, diplomatic engagement, and de-escalation of US-Israeli strikes on Iran, while Washington has pushed for stronger military backing from allies, increasing pressure within NATO. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio further stirred debate by stating that the United States may “reexamine” its relationship with NATO after the Iran conflict.

Trump’s comments have drawn sharp criticism across France’s political spectrum. Yael Braun-Pivet described the remarks as inappropriate amid global instability, saying: “We are discussing the future of the world… and we have a president who is mocking others.” Opposition figure Manuel Bompard also defended Macron despite political differences, calling the comments “absolutely unacceptable.” The backlash underscores growing concern about diplomatic conduct at a time when international cooperation is critical.

While Macron publicly dismissed Trump’s personal jabs, his broader message reflects mounting frustration with Washington’s tone and policy direction. The dispute underscores rising US-Europe tensions, increasing uncertainty over NATO unity, and diverging approaches to the Iran conflict. As the geopolitical landscape grows more fragile, Macron’s warning remains clear: global leadership requires seriousness—not spectacle.

Macron Hits Back at Trump, Says Marriage Jibe “Not Worth a Response”

Iran Fires Missiles at Israel After Trump Threatens Weeks of ‘Extremely Hard’ Strikes

Israel came under missile fire from Iran on Thursday following a stern warning from US President Donald Trump, who said Washington could bomb Iran into the “Stone Ages” with heavy strikes over the next two to three weeks.

Speaking from the White House, Trump sought to reassure Americans that the military campaign launched on February 28, 2026, was nearing completion. He said, “Thanks to the progress we’ve made, we are on track to complete all of America’s military objectives shortly, very shortly.” He added that, over the coming weeks, U.S. forces would target key Iranian sites, including electric generating plants and critical infrastructure, unless Tehran agreed to his conditions.

Trump also indicated that negotiations might be possible with Iran’s new leadership, describing them as “less radical and much more reasonable” than their predecessor. Despite this, Iran rejected U.S. ceasefire overtures, calling the demands “maximalist and irrational,” with foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei confirming that no direct talks were taking place.

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Following Trump’s address, the Israeli military reported four missile barrages within six hours, with air raid sirens sounding across northern and central Israel, including Tel Aviv and Haifa. Israeli defenses actively intercepted incoming missiles, while the Revolutionary Guards confirmed targeting an oil tanker in the Gulf, allegedly Israeli-owned, which sustained damage but caused no casualties.

The escalation also involved Iran-backed groups in the region. Hezbollah launched rockets and drones into northern Israel, while Israel struck back in Lebanon, killing several militants, including a top commander. Authorities say over 1,300 people have died in Lebanon since the war between Israel and Iran-backed forces erupted on March 2, 2026.

Meanwhile, energy markets reacted sharply, with Brent crude rising more than 4% to over $105 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate reaching around $103 per barrel, due to the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of global oil normally passes. Britain hosted a virtual meeting of 35 countries to explore reopening the strait, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasizing freedom of navigation.

In Tehran, Iranians expressed defiance amid the funeral of a Revolutionary Guards naval commander killed in Israeli strikes. Pro-government citizens vowed continued resistance. “This war has lasted a month. However long it takes, we will continue,” said Moussa Nowruzi, a 57-year-old pensioner.

Trump reassured regional allies — including Israel, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain — that the U.S. would protect them from Iranian retaliatory fire. The conflict remains highly volatile, with analysts warning that further missile exchanges and regional flare-ups are likely if diplomatic solutions are not achieved soon.

Iran Fires Missiles at Israel After Trump Threatens Weeks of ‘Extremely Hard’ Strikes

Israeli Fire Kills Three UN Peacekeepers in Southern Lebanon

Three United Nations peacekeepers have been killed in southern Lebanon, with others seriously injured, as clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants intensify. The fatalities, all members of Indonesia’s UNIFIL contingent, mark one of the deadliest attacks on peacekeepers in recent years.

The first incident occurred on Sunday, March 29, when a projectile exploded near a UNIFIL position in Adchit al-Qusayr, killing one peacekeeper and seriously injuring another. Evidence suggests the projectile may have been fired from an Israeli tank, though investigations are ongoing. The following day, two more Indonesian peacekeepers were killed when a logistics convoy vehicle was destroyed by an explosion of unknown origin near Bani Hayyan, leaving additional personnel injured.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the killings, calling them “grave violations of international humanitarian law” and emphasizing that “no one should ever have to die while serving the cause of peace.” He extended condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

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The incidents have prompted the UN Security Council to convene an emergency session to address the attacks. Several European countries, including France, the United Kingdom, and Belgium, issued a joint statement urging all parties to ensure the safety of UNIFIL personnel in accordance with international law. South Korea and other nations also condemned the attacks, highlighting the critical need to protect peacekeepers in conflict zones.

The deaths come amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, which have involved airstrikes, rocket fire, and ground operations along the Israel-Lebanon border. Civilians in southern Lebanon have been severely affected, with thousands displaced and casualties mounting on both sides.

The Indonesian government has called for a transparent investigation into the deaths of its personnel and stressed the importance of accountability. Meanwhile, UNIFIL continues to operate along the Blue Line, though the recent attacks underscore the growing risks faced by peacekeepers in volatile regions.

Israeli Fire Kills Three UN Peacekeepers in Southern Lebanon