If negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program fail, a military conflict would be “almost inevitable,” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot warned in a speech to Parliament today.
Barrot stated that time is running out, as only a few months remain before the current agreement expires.
“Ten years after the Iran nuclear deal was reached, our trust and conviction remain unchanged. Iran must never obtain nuclear weapons,” Barrot emphasized, adding that the priority is to secure a deal that “verifiably and sustainably” limits Iran’s nuclear activities.
Concerns are rising as negotiations appear to be at a standstill. U.S. President Donald Trump recently stated that Iran would be bombed if no agreement is reached.
French President Emmanuel Macron convened a Defense Council meeting today to discuss Iran, strategic security issues, and the Middle East crisis.
Rising Tensions Over Iran’s Nuclear Program
Iran’s nuclear program remains a focal point of global concern, along with Tehran’s support for Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have disrupted maritime traffic in the Red Sea.
Western nations, led by the United States, have long suspected Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei recently vowed a “firm response” if diplomacy fails and Iran comes under attack.
In 2015, Iran signed a nuclear agreement in Vienna with France, Germany, the UK, China, Russia, and the U.S., which included sanctions relief in exchange for restrictions on Tehran’s nuclear activities. However, in 2018, then-U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew from the deal and reinstated harsh sanctions. In retaliation, Iran increased its enriched uranium stockpile to 60% purity, dangerously close to the 90% needed for nuclear weapons.
