Tehran slams French president for "contradictory" remarks on regional stability

The spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, Esmaeil Baqaei, has sharply rebuked French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent remarks about Iran, labelling them as “baseless, contradictory, and diversionary.”

In a statement released on January 7, Baqaei urged France to reconsider its "unconstructive" approach to peace and stability in the West Asia region, Caliber.Az reports via Iranian media.

Baqaei emphasized that the real and immediate threat to regional peace and stability lies with the Israeli regime, which, he said, continues its occupation and acts of genocide in Palestine with the backing of the United States and certain European countries, including France.

“The Israeli regime, with full support from the United States and some European countries, including France, continues its occupation and genocide in occupied Palestine while persistently expanding its military aggression and territorial ambitions across the region,” Baqaei stated.

He expressed regret that the French president, instead of holding Israel accountable for its actions, chose to criticize Iran, which, according to Baqaei, has consistently advocated for peace and adherence to international law.

On the issue of Iran’s nuclear programme, Baqaei rejected Macron’s allegations, asserting that Iran’s nuclear activities are peaceful and comply fully with international regulations. “Iran’s peaceful nuclear activities are conducted in full compliance with international regulations and under the strict and ongoing oversight of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA),” Baqaei stressed.

He accused France of hypocrisy, pointing out that the French government had failed to honour its commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and had played a role in enabling Israel to acquire nuclear weapons.

Further, Baqaei addressed France’s repeated accusations about Iran’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict. He reaffirmed Iran’s consistent position advocating for a peaceful resolution, calling the accusations "irresponsible distortions" intended to obscure the roles of other international actors.

Finally, Baqaei expressed astonishment at French concerns regarding Iran’s relations with African nations. He pointed out the hypocrisy of colonial powers like France dictating terms to sovereign African nations.

“Countries with a history of brutal colonialism in Africa are in no position to dictate terms to independent African nations or other sovereign states,” Baqaei declared.

Baqaei concluded that Iran's engagement with Africa is based on mutual respect, sovereignty, and political independence, consistent with international law and the UN Charter, aiming for shared benefits and mutual interests.

To recall, French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that Iran’s nuclear programme is approaching a critical juncture, representing the primary security threat in the Middle East. Macron emphasized that the situation is “bringing us very close to the point of no return” and will be a key topic in his discussions with the incoming Trump administration.

Macron’s comments come as European powers, including France, Germany, and Britain, raised concerns about Iran’s nuclear activities, which could undermine the 2015 nuclear deal. Iran’s enrichment of uranium is nearing bomb-grade levels, according to the UN nuclear watchdog. Diplomatic talks are scheduled for January 13, ahead of Trump’s return to office. The French president suggested that sanctions may be imposed if the 2015 agreement expires in October 2025.

By Aghakazim Guliyev