Macron sharply criticized Trump after the U.S. president mocked him over a viral video showing his wife, Brigitte, appearing to shove him.

The French president urged countries to band together to avoid becoming “vassals” or face the “dominance” of China or the “unpredictability” of the U.S.

Macron, who held talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, said they both believe in international law, the international order and the democratic values, adding: “This is why ... we both advocate for a return to peace, a ceasefire, calm, and free passage through the Strait of Hormuz.”

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday it would be unrealistic to launch a military operation to force open the Strait of Hormuz, after U.S.

French President Emmanuel Macron has warned against further escalation of the war involving Iran, arguing that military strikes and sustained bombing campaigns are unlikely to produce lasting regime change.

According to one official close to Macron, his former deputy chief of staff, Pierre-André Imbert, might return to the Elysée Palace to take on the role of chief of staff. Imbert has “a wide-ranging profile” and “knows the president very well,” the official said.

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in South Korea on Thursday after visiting fellow US ally Japan, where he praised Europe's "predictability" in an apparent swipe at Donald Trump over the Iran

At a private lunch event on Wednesday, Trump, imitating a French accent, said: “I call up France, Macron – whose wife treats him extremely badly. Still recovering from the right to the jaw.” Trump’s comments referred to a video from last May showing Brigitte appearing to shove her husband.