France Says Iran Sanctions Won’t Be Lifted Without End to Nuclear Activities

France will not support lifting international sanctions on Iran unless Tehran halts its nuclear activities and complies with the terms of a future agreement, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said on Monday, reaffirming Paris’ position as efforts to revive diplomacy over Iran’s nuclear program continue. Speaking to French media, Barrot said sanctions relief cannot proceed unless Iran takes verifiable steps to suspend its nuclear activities. According to Al Jazeera, he also reaffirmed France’s commitment to participating in future negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program. Barrot said France would oppose lifting United Nations sanctions until any future agreement fully addresses international concerns over Iran’s nuclear activities. He stressed that sanctions should remain in place until Iran demonstrates verifiable compliance with its nuclear commitments. France, alongside the United Kingdom and Germany, has played a central role in diplomatic efforts surrounding Iran’s nuclear program. The three European powers have consistently backed negotiations while insisting that any agreement include robust monitoring and verification measures to ensure the program remains exclusively peaceful. Iran has repeatedly maintained that its nuclear program is intended solely for civilian purposes and denies seeking nuclear weapons. Western governments, however, argue that sanctions relief should only follow verified compliance with international non-proliferation obligations. Barrot’s remarks come amid renewed tensions between Iran and the United States following recent military exchanges around the Strait of Hormuz, developments that have further complicated diplomatic efforts to revive negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program. France has also expressed support for international efforts to safeguard commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, including possible mine-clearing operations. Iranian officials have opposed such proposals, arguing that security in the strategic waterway should remain the responsibility of regional countries. The differing positions underscore the broader disagreements between Iran and Western powers over nuclear issues and regional security. While France continues to advocate for diplomacy, it maintains that sanctions relief must be tied to verifiable nuclear commitments and compliance with international standards. The post France Says Iran Sanctions Won’t Be Lifted Without End to Nuclear Activities appeared first on Khaama Press.