France Warns of Escalating Nuclear Risk, Urges Diplomatic Solution in Iran-Israel Conflict at UN Rights Council

By Ahora Qadi 

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In a detailed and urgent address to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on Friday, Jérôme Bonnafont, Permanent Representative of France to the UN, issued a strong appeal for the immediate cessation of hostilities between Iran and Israel, warning of the grave threat posed by the ongoing escalation to regional and global security, and stressing the critical need for diplomacy over confrontation.

“Secretary-General forcefully reminded us of the gravity of the current situation, and for this, we thank him,” the French envoy began, acknowledging the remarks of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the briefing provided by the Under-Secretary-General.

The French representative highlighted the growing cost of the conflict, stating that “Israeli strikes against Iran have been ongoing for a week. Civilian casualties are multiplying on both sides.” He further noted that an Iranian missile had struck one of Israel’s largest hospitals the day before and that Israeli strikes had targeted civilian infrastructure unrelated to Iran’s nuclear or ballistic missile programs.

He expressed concern about radiological risks, referencing information relayed by the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which has raised alarms about certain nuclear sites.

“There is a need to urgently end these military operations. They harbor grave threats,” the French diplomat stated. “France calls for a prompt de-escalation. Civilian lives must be shielded, and there is a need to reembark on the path of diplomacy.”

Firm Position on Iran’s Nuclear Program

France reaffirmed its longstanding stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions: “Iran cannot and must not develop a nuclear weapon.” The envoy warned that such a development would threaten Israel’s security and destabilize the region — and would also represent a direct danger to France and Europe’s security interests.

He pointed to Iran’s continued support for armed and terrorist groups across the region, its detention of French nationals, and its supply of ballistic missiles and drones to Russia, now deployed in the war on Ukraine.

Violation of Non-Proliferation Norms

France reiterated its deep concern over Iran’s nuclear violations. “Iran’s gaining access to a nuclear weapon would represent an egregious violation of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT),” the French envoy stressed, warning it would “gravely weaken the international non-proliferation regime, the cornerstone of global nuclear security.” He cautioned that it could prompt a wider arms race in the region and beyond.

He condemned Iran’s enrichment of uranium at levels with “no credible civilian justification” and the installation of thousands of advanced centrifuges at prohibited sites. The Director General of the IAEA, in a late-May report, stated he could no longer guarantee the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program. A resolution by the IAEA Board of Governors in December noted Iran’s failure to meet key obligations.

Support for IAEA and the Path Forward

The French representative praised the IAEA’s commitment, stating: “We are grateful for its unstinting efforts in inspection activities despite Iran’s obstruction. We respect the IAEA’s impartiality, independence, and rigorous respect for its treaty mandate.”

He emphasized that “the goal of the Council must be to ensure Iran resumes cooperation with the IAEA and returns to compliance with international obligations.” Any withdrawal by Iran from the NPT, he warned, would be unprecedented and dangerous.

No Military Solution — Diplomacy Must Prevail

“There can be no military solution to the Iranian matter,” France declared. “It is through negotiations that a lasting response must be sought to the threat of proliferation posed by Iran’s nuclear program.”

He recalled that in 2019 and again in 2022, the E3 group (France, Germany, the United Kingdom) proposed mechanisms for resolving disputes and revising the nuclear agreement to allow for the return of the United States. “Iran did not seize those opportunities,” he noted. Nevertheless, France and its partners have maintained dialogue with Tehran and expressed hope for meaningful results.

Final Call for Diplomacy Amid Ticking Clock

“France solemnly calls upon Iran to finally seize the opportunity of a diplomatic path,” the French representative declared. He confirmed that on the same day, in Geneva, a meeting involving the E3 ministers, the EU representative, and their Iranian counterpart was taking place.

“Time is ticking,” he warned, adding: “France, together with close European partners, has transmitted the urgent need to engage in diplomatic negotiations with Iran to ensure it never gains access to nuclear weapons.”

He concluded with a clear message to Tehran and the international community: “Now is the moment for peace to be shouldered worldwide. Iran must demonstrate that it is willing to engage. Rapid results must be achieved.”