France urges Israel, Iran to show restraint amid rising tensions

French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot has called on all parties involved in the escalating Middle East tensions to show restraint and avoid actions that could jeopardise regional stability.

Barrot reiterated France’s firm support for Israel’s right to self-defence, while also expressing renewed concern over Iran’s nuclear programme — a long-standing issue in France’s foreign policy agenda, Caliber.Az reports via Israeli media. 

He stressed the importance of diplomacy in preventing further escalation, urging all sides to engage through established diplomatic channels. “France is fully committed to these efforts,” he said, highlighting Paris’ dedication to de-escalation and regional peace.

To recap, in the early hours of June 13, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) initiated a large-scale military operation codenamed Rising Lion, during which the Israeli Air Force (IAF) conducted multiple waves of precision airstrikes across Iranian territory. The operation focused on military installations and components of Iran’s nuclear program.

According to initial reports, targets included key strategic sites in Tehran, where several high-ranking Iranian military officials were killed.

The attacks also resulted in the deaths of key Iranian military and scientific leaders. Among the casualties was Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces. General Hossein Salami, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was also killed, a loss that the IRGC officially confirmed.

By Naila Huseynova