France this week warned that failure to reach a nuclear agreement with Iran could lead to war, further raising tensions in an already volatile region.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said a military confrontation would seem “almost inevitable” if talks over Iran’s nuclear programme collapse.
He delivered the warning during a parliamentary session on Wednesday, after President Emmanuel Macron chaired a high-level meeting on Iran, reflecting growing concerns among European leaders about Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
Western powers, including the United States, have long accused Iran of secretly working to develop nuclear weapons. Iran has denied the claim, saying its programme is peaceful.
Diplomatic push
France and its European partners are pushing for a deal by the summer. Several United Nations sanctions linked to the 2015 nuclear accord are due to expire in October 2025.
The original deal placed strict limits on Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief.
Since the US withdrew from the agreement during Donald Trump’s first term, Iran has ramped up uranium enrichment beyond agreed levels.
“The window of opportunity is narrow. We only have a few months until the expiration of this accord. In case of failure, a military confrontation would seem to be almost inevitable,” said Barrot.
France, Britain and Germany – all part of the original deal – were expected to raise the issue with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at Thursday's NATO meeting in Brussels.
But coordination with Washington has been complicated by the return of Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign during his second term.
European powers confront Iran's nuclear ambitions as Trump presidency looms
Airstrike fears
Diplomatic sources told the Reuters news agency that European officials are worried the US or Israel could resort to military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites if talks fail.
The US recently increased its military presence in the region, sending more warplanes amid ongoing operations against Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen.
Trump has threatened Iran with military action and tougher sanctions if it refuses to negotiate.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has said Iran would retaliate against any attack.
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Detained French nationals
France is also clashing with Iran over the detention of two French nationals – Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris – who have been held since May 2022. They are accused of inciting labour unrest.
France has announced plans to file a formal complaint against Iran at the International Court of Justice over what it calls a violation of consular protection rights.
“We are going to step up pressure on the Iranian regime even further,” said Barrot. He added that new European sanctions would soon target Iranian officials involved in “state hostage-taking.”
Noémie Kohler, sister of Cécile Kohler, welcomed the move and called it “a major turning point.” But she said her sister was “starting to lose hope” after nearly three years in detention.
