Paris: French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Wednesday called on Iran to “immediately” resume negotiations as the tensions between Israel and Iran continue to escalate. “We are calling on Iran to immediately make itself available to resume negotiations-negotiations we are ready to take part in, as we led them 10 years ago,” Barrot said during the Questions to Government session at the French National Assembly.
According to Anadolu Agency, Barrot reiterated France’s rejection of a military solution to the “Iran nuclear issue,” an expression also echoed by President Emmanuel Macron, who stated on Tuesday that seeking regime change in Iran by military means would be the “greatest mistake.” Barrot emphasized the need for restraint, de-escalation, and an end to the strikes, noting that any further strike would pose substantial risks without permanently eliminating Iran’s nuclear program.
Barrot further voiced French “rejection” and “condemnation” of the behavior of the Iranian regime. He criticized Iran’s actions towards its own people, the region, and France and its interests, mentioning the nuclear and ballistic missile programs, as well as the delivery of missiles and drones to Russia in its war against Ukraine.
Regional tensions have significantly escalated since Friday when Israel launched airstrikes on multiple sites across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities. This prompted Tehran to launch retaliatory strikes, resulting in at least 585 people killed and 1,326 others injured since the attacks began. Israeli authorities reported that at least 24 people have been killed and hundreds injured in Iranian missile attacks.