🔴 Live: Macron says France did not join strikes on Houthis to avoid escalation

French President Emmanuel Macron said his country decided not to join US-led strikes against Houthis attacking commercial vessels in the Red Sea because France is seeking to avoid escalation in Mideast tensions, he gave the explanation at a rare news conference. Macron told reporters that the subject was not “military” but “diplomatic.” Follow our liveblog for all the latest developments.