Q - What is France’s response following the disclosure by Iran’s Supreme Leader of seven conditions that the European powers will have to comply with if Tehran isn’t to reject, in turn, the 2015 agreement on the Iranian nuclear program?

A - We have taken note of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s statements.

As Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, stated on France Inter on May 23, “the agreement is not dead.” “A few days ago the Europeans had a meeting, then there was a meeting in Sofia of the heads of state and government of the European Union, which made clear its wishes and its determination to ensure that businesses working with Iran are protected as much as possible, because we haven’t left the agreement and we want to honor it.”

Keeping the Europeans in the nuclear deal Iran above all means Iran has to continue strictly applying its nuclear provisions. Regional and international security, as well as the integrity of the nuclear non-proliferation regime, are at stake.

Even though the Europeans want to stay in the agreement, this does not mean ignoring our concerns about Iran, especially its ballistic missile program and its direct or indirect military presence in the region. This is why we proposed establishing a comprehensive framework for negotiations with Iran. We want Iran to understand the need for a cooperative approach.

France will continue the discussions with its partners to this end. This will be one of the items discussed during President Macron’s visit to Saint Petersburg.