France / Diplomacy: Paris scolds Trumps ultimatum against Iran and warns of a risk of global escalation

Mariem Njeh

French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, firmly warned on Tuesday evening against the ultimatum issued by Donald Trump to Iran, rejecting any American strike targeting civilian infrastructure. During his speech on France Info, the diplomat detailed the conditions for the return to France, scheduled for Wednesday morning, of former French detainees recently released by Tehran.

Responding to Donald Trump’s threats, Jean-Noël Barrot brushed off the American ultimatum by stating that “everything that is excessive is insignificant.” The minister urged to not confuse the Iranian people with its regime, which he described as a “bloodthirsty theocracy” that recently shot down civilian protesters with assault rifles.

“I obviously hope that he [Donald Trump] does not carry out these threats, which would lead the region, as well as the world, into a particularly dangerous new phase of escalation,” warned the French diplomat.

The illegality of strikes on civilian infrastructure

In response to the specific threat to strike Iranian energy and civilian facilities, Jean-Noël Barrot recalled Paris’ strict opposition to such operations: “They are not legal under international law, and France systematically denounces and condemns them, whether they occur in Iran or in Russia.”

However, he made it clear that this reminder of the laws of war did not in any way constitute “complacency” towards Tehran, recalling that France severely sanctioned the regime last year.

The return of former detainees and Oman’s role

While France denounces the actions of the Iranian regime, it is pleased with the release of its nationals. The minister confirmed that after crossing the border with Azerbaijan on Tuesday afternoon, they will return to France on Wednesday morning. They are expected to be received by the President of the Republic.

Revealing that Tehran’s decision was confirmed on Easter Sunday evening after a year and a half of confidential negotiations, Barrot praised the role of Omani authorities who “helped, at the last minute, to convey a number of messages within the Iranian system.”

He also dismissed any rumors of diplomatic exchange, particularly regarding the assignment to France of Iranian national Mahdiyeh Espandiar: “Under no circumstances, in no way, have we […] linked the fate of our hostages […] with France’s foreign policy choices.”