France distances itself from US attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites
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France claims it had no role in US strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, calling for restraint and a negotiated solution under the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
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France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot delivers a speech during a conference dubbed "Paris Call for the Two-State Solution, Peace and Regional Security", at the French Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE) in Paris, Friday, June 13, 2025. (Thibaud Moritz, Pool via AP)
France had no involvement in the US military strikes targeting Iranian nuclear sites, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot claimed on Sunday, distancing Paris from the escalation while urging all parties to avoid actions that could widen the conflict.
“France has noted with concern the strikes carried out last night by the US against three sites of the Iranian nuclear program,” Barrot wrote on X.
“It participated neither in conducting these strikes nor in planning them,” he added.
Barrot’s remarks followed overnight US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan.
The operation, ordered by President Donald Trump, was framed by Washington as a move to cripple Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Trump warned that Tehran must agree to “end this war” or face more severe consequences.
Paris calls for restraint to avoid wider conflict
Barrot said that “France calls on all sides to exercise restraint in order to avoid any escalation, which can cause the conflict to widen.”
Paris has consistently voiced opposition to the idea of Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon and reiterated its longstanding support for diplomatic engagement.
Barrot reaffirms support for diplomatic solution
Reaffirming France’s commitment to non-proliferation, Barrot emphasized that “a lasting resolution of this issue requires a negotiated solution within the framework of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.”
He added that France remains ready to contribute to diplomatic efforts alongside international partners.
Iran maintains that its nuclear program is entirely peaceful and denies pursuing weapons development. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi said on June 18 that the agency has found no concrete evidence that Iran is developing nuclear arms.
Similarly, according to a report by CNN, the US intelligence community has not concluded that Iran is actively seeking to build a nuclear weapon, contrary to claims made by both Trump and the Israeli occupation regime.
Read more: Wave of regional, int'l condemnations follows US airstrikes on Iran
