French President Emmanuel Macron has blasted the US, Israel and Saudi Arabia over their hostile statements concerning the ongoing protests in Iran, saying it could lead to a war with the Islamic Republic, RT reported.

“The official line pursued by the United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia, who are our allies in many ways, is almost one that would lead us to war,” Macron told reporters, referring to the statements made by Washington and its allies on Iran. He pointed out that, for some countries, this policy is a “deliberate strategy.”

The French president said that it is important to maintain “permanent dialogue” with Tehran to keep the balance in relations with the Islamic Republic while seeking ways to “increase international pressure” on Iran. By refusing to speak to Tehran, the US and its allies risk engaging in a “conflict of extreme brutality,” he warned, adding, “otherwise, we end up surreptitiously rebuilding an ‘axis of evil’.”

Speaking about his planned visit to Iran, Macron said he is still determined to travel to the Islamic Republic, but only after the situation there returns to normal and respect for freedoms is restored, apparently referring to the ongoing protests.