France warns Iran: Major concessions needed to avoid US strikes
In a new escalation of Western diplomatic rhetoric towards Tehran, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot issued a strongly worded warning to the Iranian leadership, stressing that the only option to avoid imminent US military action is to make "major concessions" and a radical change in political and security behavior.
These remarks came in an interview with the newspaper Libération, published on Sunday, in which the French minister painted a bleak picture of the situation, indicating that the United States had created the necessary field and political conditions to launch military strikes against Iranian targets if required. Barrault explained that Washington, despite its saber-rattling, was still leaving the door slightly ajar for negotiations, an opportunity the Iranian regime should seize before it was too late.
French conditions and a change in approach
The French minister did not merely warn against a military strike; he also outlined the changes required from Tehran, stating, "Iran must immediately cease being a source of threat to its regional neighbors and to our security interests." Barrault also addressed internal Iranian affairs, calling for the Iranian people to regain their freedom and demanding that the authorities end their policies of repression, release political prisoners, halt executions, and restore internet services, which are frequently disrupted during protests.
American pressure strategy and diplomatic maneuvers
In parallel with the French warning, US President Donald Trump revealed that communication channels were open, indicating that Iran was "talking" to the United States amidst intensive diplomatic efforts led by international parties to defuse the crisis. Speaking to Fox News, Trump adopted a tone that combined enticement and intimidation, saying, "Tehran is talking to us, and we'll see if we can do something, otherwise we'll see what happens," while also noting that "a large US fleet is heading to the region," reflecting the seriousness of the military threats.
Context of the crisis and the nuclear file
These developments come within a complex historical context of strained relations between the West and Iran, with the Iranian nuclear program at the heart of this conflict. Western powers, led by the United States and France (within the E3 group), have long sought to curb Tehran's nuclear ambitions and prevent it from acquiring a nuclear weapon, which Israel and other countries in the region consider a red line that threatens their very existence and stability.
Observers believe that the current pressure aims to force Iran to return to the negotiating table under stricter conditions that are not limited to the nuclear issue, but also include its ballistic missile program and its regional influence through its proxies in the Middle East.
Potential regional and international repercussions
The threat of US strikes carries serious repercussions that extend far beyond Iran's borders. Any military action at this time could ignite the entire region, threatening maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of the world's oil supply passes. Therefore, European and regional capitals are viewing this escalation with grave concern, pushing for a diplomatic solution to avert an open war scenario that could have catastrophic consequences for the global economy and international security.
