France is sticking to diplomacy to resolve the Iranian nuclear program crisis
Amid escalating tensions surrounding Iran's nuclear program, Paris reiterated that diplomacy remains the only viable path to ensuring Tehran does not permanently acquire a nuclear weapon. This stance comes at a time of increasing US pressure on Iran and a military buildup in the Middle East, raising fears of a military confrontation that could destabilize the entire region.
Historical background: From the nuclear agreement to the policy of maximum pressure
The roots of the current crisis lie in the landmark 2015 agreement, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). This agreement was signed by Iran and the P5+1 group of nations—the United States, France, Britain, Germany, Russia, and China. Under the agreement, Iran agreed to long-term, strict limits on its nuclear program and to allow extensive international inspections in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.
However, this delicate balance collapsed in 2018 when then-US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the United States from the agreement, deeming it “flawed” and failing to address Iran’s ballistic missile program or its regional influence. This was followed by the reimposition of harsh US sanctions under what became known as the “maximum pressure” campaign, aimed at forcing Tehran back to the negotiating table to reach a new agreement on US terms.
The European position and the importance of dialogue
In contrast to the American position, the European powers that signed the agreement, led by France, sought to preserve it. In this context, Pascal Confavreau, spokesperson for the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that Paris was monitoring developments “hour by hour” and was in constant contact with the American authorities. He added: “We are telling all parties involved that the priority must be negotiation, because it is the only way to permanently prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.”.
The French position reflects a broader European conviction that a policy of pressure alone could backfire, pushing Iran to accelerate its nuclear activities and completely withdraw from its commitments—something that has already begun to happen gradually in response to US sanctions. France also believes that any attempt at regime change in Iran through foreign intervention will not succeed and will only lead to further chaos.
Regional and international influences
The Iranian nuclear crisis is of paramount importance due to its potential regional and international repercussions. Iran's acquisition of nuclear weapons could trigger a dangerous nuclear arms race in the Middle East, as other countries in the region, such as Saudi Arabia, might seek to develop similar capabilities to ensure their own security. This scenario would transform one of the world's most volatile regions into a nuclear hotspot, directly threatening international peace and security.
Internationally, the collapse of the nuclear agreement represents a major blow to the global nuclear non-proliferation regime and undermines the credibility of multilateral diplomacy as a tool for resolving complex international conflicts. Therefore, France insists that a return to dialogue, whether to revive the original agreement or to negotiate a new framework, is the optimal strategic choice to avert a catastrophic confrontation and ensure regional and global stability.
