French President Emmanuel Macron proposed on Thursday a moratorium on strikes targeting civilian infrastructure in the Middle East, particularly energy sites. He said he had spoken with Donald Trump and Qatar's emir following attacks on gas facilities in Iran and Qatar. The move aims to protect civilian populations and energy supply security.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday, March 18, 2026, a moratorium on strikes against civilian infrastructure in the Middle East, particularly energy and hydraulic facilities. In a post on X, he stated: « It is in the common interest to implement without delay a moratorium on strikes targeting civilian infrastructure, particularly energy and hydraulic infrastructure ». He explained having contacted US President Donald Trump and Qatar's emir, Sheikh Tamim ben Hamad al-Thani, after strikes hit « gas production sites in Iran and Qatar » from the previous day. « Civilian populations and their essential needs, as well as the security of energy supplies, must be preserved from military escalation », he added. The proposal comes amid rising tensions: Iran threatened to destroy US energy infrastructure if attacked again, while Qatari gas sites suffered « considerable damage » from an Iranian strike, with the fire now under control. Israel claimed strikes on Iranian facilities, including the South Pars/North Dome gas field shared with Qatar. Meanwhile, France and Germany are coordinating diplomatic efforts for de-escalation, with Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot visiting Germany and a Macron-Merz meeting planned.
