In a notable escalation of Western diplomatic rhetoric towards Tehran, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot issued a strongly worded warning to the Iranian regime, urging it to make crucial decisions and offer "major concessions" to avoid a catastrophic scenario involving potential US military strikes on Iranian soil.
These remarks came in an interview the French minister gave to the newspaper Libération, published on Sunday, in which he painted a bleak picture of the options available to Tehran. Barrault explained that the United States is now in a position, both militarily and on the ground, to launch targeted operations against Iranian objectives. He also noted that Washington has left the door slightly ajar for a diplomatic solution, a path the Iranian leadership must seize before it is too late.
Conditions for survival: Changing the approach internally and externally
The French minister did not limit himself to discussing the military threat; he also outlined the changes required from Tehran. He stressed that Iran must immediately cease being a source of instability in its regional neighborhood, a clear reference to its influence through its proxies in the region, and must also stop threatening Western security interests. Domestically, Barrault linked the stability of the regime to the granting of freedoms, calling on the authorities to end their policies of repression, halt executions, release political prisoners, and restore internet access for the Iranian people, who "must regain their freedom.".
Regional context and maximum US pressure
These warnings come at a time of unprecedented tension in the Middle East, as international powers seek to contain Iran's nuclear ambitions and curb its regional influence. Observers believe that the French call for concessions reflects a European conviction that Washington's patience has run out, and that the military option is no longer merely a threat but a serious possibility, especially given the recent US military buildup in the region.
Trump: The fleet is moving and talks are ongoing
For his part, US President Donald Trump reinforced these concerns in an interview with Fox News, asserting that Tehran is currently "talking" to the United States in an attempt to de-escalate the situation. Trump emphasized that "time is running out," reiterating that a large US fleet is en route to the region. He stated, "We'll see if we can do something diplomatically, otherwise we'll see what happens," implicitly alluding to the combat readiness of US forces.
Repercussions of diplomatic failure
The failure of the current negotiating track could drag the region into an open conflict with dire consequences, not only for Iran itself, but also for global energy security and the stability of the Gulf states. France, along with its European partners, is pressing for a new agreement that would impose strict controls on Tehran in exchange for avoiding strikes that could target critical infrastructure and Iranian nuclear facilities.
