Macron defends Israel's military strikes on Iran

French President Emmanuel Macron defended "Israel's right to protect itself," even welcoming the "effects" of Israeli strikes against Iran's nuclear capabilities, AFP reported on Friday.

"Iran has continued to enrich, and is close to a critical stage" that allows "the production of nuclear devices," the French president declared during a press conference convened at the Elysée Palace after the bombings carried out overnight, and again in the afternoon, by Israel against Iranian nuclear and military installations.

This "move towards nuclear weapons by Iran threatens the region, Europe, and collective stability more generally," he said. 

"We do not share this approach and the need for a military operation. However, when we look at the results of these strikes, they have made it possible to reduce uranium enrichment capacities, "they have made it possible to reduce ballistic capacities, and they therefore have effects that are in the desired direction," he argued.

During his press conference, the French president also announced the postponement of the international UN conference scheduled for next week in New York, to relaunch a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, which he was due to co-chair with Saudi Arabia.

Macron considered recognising a Palestinian state as early as April, although he has since stalled on this move

He said the postponement was due to "logistical and security reasons" which prevent several Arab leaders and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas from traveling to New York, due to Israel's attacks that have led to the closure of airspace in several Middle Eastern countries.