WANA (Nov 27) – Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, who traveled to Paris at the official invitation of his French counterpart, held talks with Jean-Noël Barrot at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the latest state of bilateral relations between Tehran and Paris. Both ministers underlined the importance of continuing regular consultations aimed at removing obstacles and facilitating cooperation between the two countries.
Regional developments in West Asia, the conflict in Ukraine, the international security environment, and Iran’s peaceful nuclear program were also among the key topics discussed. The ministers emphasized the need for responsible efforts to reduce tensions and strengthen peace and justice within the international system.
Araghchi also referred to the “unjustified” detention of Iranian national Mahdieh Esfandiari, welcomed the French court’s decision to grant her conditional release, and called for accelerating the legal process to clear her name and enable her return to Iran.
Expressing serious concern over the growing erosion of the rule of law at the international level—particularly in West Asia—Araghchi highlighted the continued violence in the region. He stressed the responsibility of all governments to uphold the principles of the UN Charter, halt the killing of Palestinians, respect the territorial integrity of states, and support the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
Reaffirming Iran’s legal right to utilize nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, the Foreign Minister reiterated Iran’s readiness for “reasonable and good-faith negotiations” to provide assurances regarding the peaceful nature of its nuclear activities. He noted that those who unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA or engaged in military actions against Iran must end their “maximalist and coercive approaches” and be held accountable for their actions.
Araghchi also criticized the conduct of the three European countries at the UN Security Council and the IAEA Board of Governors, saying they bear responsibility for the current situation. He called on them to adopt an independent, responsible approach grounded in international law, particularly Article 4 of the Non-Proliferation Treaty.