French President Emmanuel Macron said in a television address Sunday evening that fuel price increases in France stem from "the U.S. war against Iran." According to Ettelaat, citing France24, Macron spoke from the Élysée Palace following a meeting with the prime minister and cabinet members, saying, "Tonight we are all angry; when we see the disaster happening in our streets, we are also ashamed."
According to Khabaronline's account, Macron said that fuel prices are "justifiably" viewed as very high because of "the U.S. war against Iran," while distinguishing between peaceful protesters and looters and arsonists, and saying those committing violence "will be held accountable for the crimes they have committed." According to Ettelaat's account, Macron said that "last night, very many criminals joined far-left groups in unleashing unchecked violence in our cities," which he called "inexplicable" by anything; Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu would be calling on political parties in coming days to take a clear stand, prefects could bar certain gatherings with mayors' support, and the justice minister is demanding maximum resolve from prosecutors.
Following the development, according to IRNA, Florian Philippot, leader of the French "Patriots" party, called for Macron's resignation. According to Kayhan, Government Spokesperson Ismail Bakaei replied to Macron on X saying, "Mr. Macron! Fire sometimes returns to the homes of those who laid it," reminding France of the principle of "peaceful assembly without fear of punishment" that it had advocated during Iranian protests.
How the Persian press covered it
| Source (orientation) | Headline / framing |
|---|---|
| Ettelaat (moderate-traditionalist) | Carried Macron's "admission" and "we are ashamed" quote in the headline, included Bakaei's pointed response |
| Khabaronline (moderate conservative) | Presented the same statement more concisely, highlighted Macron's emphasis on punishing looters |
| IRNA (state news agency) | Covered the event through French opposition's call for Macron's resignation |
| Kayhan (hardline) | Featured the government spokesman's direct X reply to Macron |
Context
The fuel crisis Macron referenced is also tracked in English-language media: according to The Nation's September 28 report, diesel prices in France hit a record average of 2.41 euros per liter on September 22, with one-tenth of stations reporting shortages in at least one fuel type; the crisis is linked to the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz disrupting global energy markets. Macron had visited the Gulf a week earlier to address the Hormuz crisis (Macron heading to Gulf to address Hormuz crisis); the war's cost rippling to Europe parallels how the Federal Reserve's rate hikes are passing the bill to U.S. consumers (Fed raises rates: Iran war's cost reaches the U.S. consumer). The Lecornu government had extended emergency fuel subsidies for agriculture, fishing, and construction through year-end.
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