Macron warns Iran’s nuclear advancements near "point of no return"

French President Emmanuel Macron, has stated that Iran's nuclear programme is on the verge of irreversible change, and that Iran represents the primary security threat in the Middle East.

"Iran is the main challenge to strategic security for France, Europeans, across the entire region, and beyond," Macron declared, Caliber.Az reports via French media.

According to him, the development of Iran's nuclear programme is "bringing us very close to the point of no return."

The French leader highlighted that this issue would be a priority in the discussions he will have with the new administration of Donald Trump.

European powers, including France, Germany, and Britain, expressed concern last month, warning that Iran’s actions risked further undermining the agreement and could lead to an increase in high-enriched uranium stocks without a legitimate civilian justification.

The head of the UN nuclear watchdog confirmed in December that Iran was rapidly advancing its enrichment to near bomb-grade levels. The three European nations, co-signatories of the 2015 deal, had previously agreed with Iran to limit enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief, as part of efforts to curb potential nuclear weapons development.

A follow-up meeting is scheduled for January 13 between European diplomats and Iranian officials to discuss potential negotiations aimed at easing tensions ahead of Trump’s return to office on January 20.

French President Macron indicated that the expiration of the accord in October 2025 might prompt the use of sanctions, emphasizing that Iran’s ballistic missile programme and support for Russia would be critical issues in future diplomacy with the US.

Iran has defended its uranium enrichment activities, stating they are for peaceful purposes. The programme has escalated since US President-elect Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the 2015 nuclear deal during his first term and reimpose stringent sanctions on Tehran.

By Aghakazim Guliyev