Macron’s stunt didn’t just catch President Trump off guard. At least some leaders of other G-7 nations apparently weren’t told in advance about Zarif’s visit, either.
(Trump now says he was told in advance)
Macron disagrees with the Trump administration’s tough policies towards Iran, and that’s okay. He also wants to promote dialogue with the mullahs, and that’s okay too.
But Macron could have met with Zarif at any time. Why did he choose to so while Trump was in France?
Macron has been pushing Trump to soften, if not reverse, American policy towards Iran. He wants the U.S. to allow Iran to export a limited amount of oil. Reportedly, he also wants to broker talks between the Trump administration and the Iranian regime. Ultimately, he hopes to persuade Trump to accept a nuclear deal with Iran along the lines of President Obama’s deal.