France has warned that suspended sanctions on Iran could be reinstated if Tehran continues its nuclear escalation and threatens European security, as concerns mount over Iran’s breach of its nuclear commitments.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, speaking during a high-level UN Security Council session on non-proliferation convened at France’s request, said that Iran had dangerously advanced toward acquiring nuclear weapons capabilities. He stressed that there was “no military solution” to the Iranian nuclear crisis and emphasized that diplomacy remains the only viable option.
However, Barrot cautioned that the diplomatic window was “narrow” and urged Tehran to make swift and constructive decisions. “We do not wish to further harm Iran’s economy,” he said, “but if Iran refuses to take the right course of action, we will be left with no alternative.”
During the same session, Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), warned that only “a few weeks” remain to reach an agreement, highlighting the risk of heightened military tensions if diplomacy fails.
Meanwhile, indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States are continuing, aiming to limit Iran’s nuclear advancements in exchange for partial sanctions relief. Iran has maintained that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes and has denied any ambition to develop nuclear weapons.
France’s warning reflects a growing consensus among European Union member states that inaction could necessitate renewed pressure to uphold international non-proliferation norms. With diplomatic efforts still ongoing but time running short, the coming weeks are expected to be crucial in determining whether a peaceful resolution can be achieved.
