France has welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Iran announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, while simultaneously calling for immediate negotiations to address nuclear and missile concerns in the region.
"This announcement must lead to a complete cessation of hostilities, which France calls on all parties to respect. It is in everyone's interest to avoid a new cycle of violence, the consequences of which would be catastrophic for the entire region," the French Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.
Ceasefire Under Immediate Threat
The diplomatic statement comes at a critical moment, as Israel has vowed to retaliate against Iran for allegedly launching a ballistic missile attack just hours after the ceasefire was declared. Israeli officials have accused Tehran of violating the truce and warned of a forceful response.
BenriNews reports that the situation remains volatile, with the potential for renewed hostilities threatening to undermine the fragile peace agreement.
France's Position on Nuclear Concerns
The French government reiterated its firm stance on Iran's nuclear ambitions, stating unequivocally: "Iran must never possess nuclear weapons."
"In this regard, France urges Iran to engage immediately in negotiations leading to an agreement that addresses all concerns related to its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and its destabilizing activities," the statement continued.
The call for negotiations comes amid reports that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Chief has proposed meeting with Iran's foreign minister to discuss nuclear concerns, highlighting the international community's growing apprehension about the situation.
Meanwhile, Israeli lawmakers and the Defense Minister have reportedly called for retaliation following the alleged missile attack from Iran, further complicating peace efforts in the region.
Former Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman has warned that a ceasefire without "clear, unambiguous terms will lead to another war," underscoring the precarious nature of the current agreement.
As tensions continue to mount, the international community watches closely to see if diplomatic efforts can prevail over the cycle of retaliation that has characterized the conflict thus far.
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