France Calls for Immediate De-escalation and Diplomatic Renewal Following U.S. Strikes on Iran

By Ahora Qadi

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – France’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jérôme Bonnafont, expressed deep concern during an emergency session of the UN Security Council on Sunday, following the recent U.S. military strikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities.

In a detailed statement, Bonnafont underscored that France had not been involved in the planning or execution of the strikes and urged all parties to exercise “the utmost restraint” to avoid further escalation. “Now is the time for strikes to cease, for de-escalation, and for negotiation,” he emphasized.

Appeal to Iran for Restraint

Bonnafont called on Tehran to refrain from retaliatory action and to halt its nuclear escalation, citing a message delivered by French President Emmanuel Macron to his Iranian counterpart earlier in the day. “It is of imperative importance to guarantee the region’s stability,” he said.

The French envoy noted that Macron had also consulted with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, the Sultan of Oman, the President of the UAE, and the Emir of Qatar, stressing France’s full engagement in diplomatic efforts to prevent the conflict from widening.

Support for IAEA, Reaffirmation of Nonproliferation Goals

Referring to IAEA reports confirming no rise in radiation levels at the targeted sites, Bonnafont reiterated France’s “full support” for Director General Rafael Grossi and the IAEA’s personnel. He urged Iran to resume full cooperation with the agency and allow for continued inspection access.

“We have always affirmed that Iran must not and could not ever obtain a nuclear weapon,” he stated, warning that such a development would jeopardize regional stability and the international nonproliferation regime. “France’s position has remained unchanged for more than twenty years.”

Push for a Durable Diplomatic Solution

Bonnafont highlighted France’s continued efforts, alongside its E3 partners—Germany and the United Kingdom—and the European Union, to engage Iran in dialogue. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot’s recent participation in talks in Geneva was cited as part of this commitment to revive negotiations.

“Only a negotiated diplomatic solution can allow for a lasting settlement to the Iranian nuclear issue,” he affirmed. “We must return to negotiations with a view to achieving a robust, verifiable, and long-term solution.”

Broader Regional Stability and the Gaza Crisis

Turning to the ongoing war in Gaza, Bonnafont renewed France’s call for an immediate ceasefire, the unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid, and the unconditional release of hostages. He reiterated France’s commitment to a two-state solution as the only viable path to peace for Palestinians and Israelis.

Bonnafont concluded by pointing to the upcoming Security Council session scheduled to discuss the implementation of Resolution 2231. “That meeting must stand as an opportunity for this council and for Iran to reaffirm their commitment to diplomacy and the spirit of negotiation which prevailed and allowed the conclusion of the 2015 agreement.”