French Foreign Minister threatens sanctions against Iran for refusing to work with the IAEA

France has threatened Iran with the restoration of international sanctions in case of refusal to participate in negotiations on the nuclear program and termination of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This was stated on July 2 by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barraud in an interview with Le Monde.

According to him, the "European troika" — France, Germany and the United Kingdom — has instruments of pressure capable of returning the strict restrictions against Tehran lifted in 2015 after the conclusion of the nuclear deal. Barro stressed that if Iran does not agree to discuss a "strict and long-term framework" for its nuclear activities, the sanctions restoration mechanism may be activated as early as this summer.

The minister noted that Europe's security directly depends on the transparency of Iran's nuclear and missile programs, since "European territory is potentially within range" of Iranian ballistic missiles.

Barraud also confirmed that France has secured consular access to two French hostages, Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, who are in Iran. According to him, they were not physically injured, but "are in distress," and Paris demands their immediate release.

The French Foreign minister also criticized the military strikes on Iran carried out by the United States and Israel, calling them contrary to international law. He acknowledged that the strikes had set back Iran's nuclear program, but added that "only an agreed framework will prevent the danger forever."

Barro said that Europe supports the US negotiations with Iran, but warned against a "maximalist" position that denies Tehran's right to enrich uranium. At the same time, he stressed that Iran "cannot obtain nuclear weapons under any circumstances."

By mutual agreement: Iran and the United States can return to dialogue on the nuclear deal

There is evidence that Tehran's enriched uranium was evacuated before the strikes began.

On July 1, Iranian President Masoud Peseshkian issued a decree suspending cooperation between the Islamic Republic and the IAEA. At the same time, the deputy head of Iran's judiciary commented on the possibility of a trial in absentia against the head of the IAEA, Rafael Grossi. According to him, "this issue belongs to international affairs and should be dealt with through appropriate channels."