![\"\u2018Can\u2019t](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-129978108,imgsize-771312,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/trump-and-macron-file.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\nFrench president Emmanuel Macron<\/a> on Thursday criticised US President Donald Trump<\/a> for what he described as inconsistent positions on the Iran conflict, saying \u201cyou can\u2019t contradict yourself every day\u201d while dismissing any military attempt to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as \u201cunrealistic\u201d.Speaking during a visit to South Korea, Macron said proposals, \u201csometimes expressed by the United States\u201d, to militarily secure the strategic waterway were not viable. <\/p>\n Watch<\/span><\/p>\n Republicans TURN AGAINST Trump, GOP Faces Big Midterm Crisis As Iran BATTERS US In Gulf<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n \u201cIt is unrealistic because it would take an inordinate amount of time and would expose anyone crossing the strait to coastal threats,\u201d he said, pointing to risks from Iran\u2019s Revolutionary Guards and missile capabilities. He added that any resolution required \u201ca ceasefire and a resumption of negotiations\u201d with Iran, according to AFP. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route, has remained severely disrupted amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.Macron also took a direct swipe at Trump\u2019s messaging on the war. \u201cYou have to be serious. When you want to be serious, you don’t say the opposite every day of what you said the day before. And perhaps you shouldn’t talk every day,\u201d he said. His remarks come amid growing divergence among Western allies. The United Kingdom has distanced itself from the conflict, with prime minister Keir Starmer stating that \u201cIran is not our war,\u201d while France has ruled out participation.<\/p>\n Since the start of US-led military operations, Trump has made varying statements on strategy, allies, and escalation, drawing scrutiny both domestically and internationally. <\/p>\n Trump has alternated between calling for international support and asserting US self-sufficiency. He urged NATO and other countries dependent on Middle Eastern oil to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, saying they \u201cshould be jumping to help us.\u201d Yet, almost in the same breath, he added: \u201cWe don\u2019t need anybody\u2026 we have the strongest military.\u201d<\/p>\n Even as he sought support, Trump criticised NATO, calling it a \u201cpaper tiger\u201d and stating that a potential US exit from the alliance was now \u201cbeyond reconsideration,\u201d raising further questions about policy coherence.<\/p>\n Trump threatened to \u201cobliterate\u201d Iran\u2019s energy infrastructure if Tehran did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. However, he quickly walked back the timeline, first delaying action by five days and then extending it further, citing ongoing negotiations.<\/p>\n His messaging has also shifted on broader goals, from pushing for aggressive intervention and control of the Strait to Hormuz,to signaling that the conflict could end without securing the waterway, creating uncertainty about US strategic priorities.Mixed messaging on escalation: Trump has alternated between calls for aggressive action and signals of restraint, including indicating openness to ending the conflict without reopening the Strait.<\/p>\n Poll<\/p>\n How do you feel about the phrase TACO referring to Trump policy reversals?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n Trump\u2019s statements have drawn varying reactions globally, with several countries, including European nations, China, and South Korea, showing reluctance to join US efforts in the region.In the US, analysts and political figures have raised concerns over policy consistency. A Pew Research survey found that 61% of Americans disapprove of Trump\u2019s handling of the Iran conflict.The President\u2019s approach has also triggered criticism on social media, where the term \u201cTACO\u201d (\u201cTrump Always Chickens Out\u201d) has circulated in reference to perceived reversals in policy positions.(With inputs from agencies)<\/span><\/p>\nTrump\u2019s shifting stance on Iran war<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
Allies vs going solo<\/h4>\n<\/p>\n
NATO criticism <\/h4>\n<\/p>\n
On military escalation<\/h4>\n<\/p>\n
On war objectives<\/h4>\n<\/p>\n
Global and domestic reactions<\/h4>\n<\/p>\n