M. Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, had a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Mr Abbas Araghchi, today, Tuesday 19 November 2024.

The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs spoke to his counterpart about the meeting of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) from 20 to 22 November. He emphasized the absolute necessity for Iran to fulfil its obligations under its Safeguards Agreement and fully cooperate with the IAEA to enable it to confirm the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear activities.

The Minister repeated that the nuclear escalation in which Iran is engaged is very worrying and carries major proliferation risks. France, along with its German and British partners, is continuing its efforts to bring about a return to negotiations with Iran with a view to a diplomatic solution.

The Minister highlighted the diplomatic efforts under way to enable a cessation of hostilities in Lebanon, and called on Iran and its proxies to adopt a constructive attitude in this regard.

The Minister reiterated that we have asked for the immediate release of the three French hostages, who have been arbitrarily detained in Iran for more than two years.