Former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin delivered a stark warning against military escalation at this week's Boao Forum for Asia, condemning recent strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran. Speaking on March 26 at Asia's premier economic dialogue platform, Raffarin emphasized "war is always a failure" while advocating for cross-cultural education as the path to conflict resolution.
The remarks come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East that analysts warn could disrupt Asian energy markets. Over 2,000 delegates from 60 countries and regions attended the forum, where discussions focused on balancing geopolitical stability with economic growth.
Raffarin's appeal for mutual respect between nations resonated with business leaders attending the event, particularly those monitoring shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. The former PM's comments align with the forum's 2026 theme of "Shared Challenges, Collective Responsibility" in an increasingly multipolar world.
