France’s foreign affairs minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, held talks with his Iranian counterpart on Wednesday, condemning Iran’s recent strikes on neighbouring countries following retaliatory attacks by the US and Israel.
During the call, Barrot emphasised “France’s commitment to stability in the Middle East, to de-escalation, and to the resumption of a demanding diplomatic dialogue, in compliance with international law, within which the use of force must be framed,” according to a statement from France’s foreign affairs ministry on Thursday.
He also voiced “France’s ongoing concern” over the situation of French nationals detained in Iran. Among them are Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, who were held for more than three years on spying charges before being released from an Iranian prison in November and transferred to the French Residence in Tehran.
Barrot “called for their immediate and unconditional release and reaffirmed the full and complete mobilization of the French authorities to that end,” the ministry said.
Earlier this week, the families of Kohler and Paris expressed deep concern for their safety, noting they were “very worried” due to bombings near the French embassy.
Boluwatife Enome
