France opposes Iranian strikes, French Foreign Minister says

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot urges Iran to release detained French citizens and calls for de-escalation, emphasizing the need for diplomacy and adherence to international law.

Reuters

March 05, 2026

France opposes Iranian strikes, French Foreign Minister says

France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot attends a press conference on the day of a bilateral meeting with Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson at the French aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle (R91), in Malmo, Sweden February 27, 2026.

Johan Nilsson/Reuters

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot spoke with his Iranian counterpart and told him his government opposes the Iranian strikes and urged the release of the French citizens currently held in Iran, the French foreign ministry said on Thursday.

Barrot "reiterated France's commitment to the stability of the Middle East, to de-escalation and to the resumption of a demanding diplomatic dialogue, in compliance with international law which must govern the use of force," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

-Reporting by Inti Landauro; Editing by Makini Brice/Reuters