France Calls for Dialogue Following US Attacks on Iran
In the wake of recent United States airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, France has voiced significant concern and urged all parties to exercise restraint. French President Emmanuel Macron is set to convene the national defense council to discuss the escalating tensions.
France’s Stance on the Conflict
On Sunday, France, together with its European partners, reaffirmed its commitment to pursue a diplomatic solution to the unfolding confrontation between Iran and Israel. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot emphasized on social media that France was not involved in planning the US attacks but remains deeply worried about their consequences.
"France has taken note with concern of the strikes carried out last night by the United States of America against three sites of Iran’s nuclear programme," Barrot stated. He called upon all stakeholders to avoid actions that could further escalate the conflict.
Macron’s Diplomatic Efforts Intensify
President Macron, following phone conversations with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and the leader of Oman, plans to increase diplomatic engagement both in Europe and the Middle East. His office announced that he intends to sustain these contacts over the coming hours to seek pathways toward peace.
A meeting involving the UK, France, Germany, and the European Union with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently took place in Geneva. This encounter occurred just days after Israel launched its own strikes against Iranian targets, highlighting the urgency of renewed dialogue.
Emphasizing Non-Proliferation and Negotiated Solutions
France has consistently opposed Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons, stressing that a durable resolution hinges on negotiations under the framework of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
"France is convinced that a lasting settlement of this issue requires a negotiated solution within the framework of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty," Barrot added.
As regional tensions threaten to spiral, France's call for de-escalation and diplomacy stands as a crucial voice advocating for stability and peace.
