French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has warned of a potential military conflict with Iran if negotiations on a new nuclear agreement fail. US President Donald Trump had threatened to bomb the country if it does not make concessions on its nuclear program, which the US claims is for developing atomic weapons. Iran’s government, which vehemently denies these allegations, has announced that it will retaliate against any attack.
Speaking in a French parliament address on Wednesday, Barrot stated that without a new agreement, a military confrontation “appears almost inevitable” and warned that such a scenario could further destabilize the Middle East.
The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) had limited the Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief, signed by the Iran, the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, Germany and the EU. However, in 2017, Trump unilaterally withdrew from the agreement, calling it the “worst deal ever” and opted for a campaign of “maximum pressure” through sanctions.
The EU has tried to provide Iran with means to circumvent the US sanctions and maintain the JCPOA, but the talks have since stalled. The impasse has strengthened Iran’s hardline stance and in response to the West’s non-compliance with the nuclear agreement, Iran refused to continue to uphold its commitments.
Since the start of his second term in January, Trump has repeatedly threatened military action if Iran does not agree to a new nuclear agreement. In a recent interview, he stated, “If they don’t make a deal, there will be bombings and it will be a bombing like you’ve never seen before.”
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei responded to Trump on Monday, warning that the US and Israel will receive a strong counterattack if they attack Iran.
In the midst of escalating tensions, the Pentagon announced on Tuesday that it has sent additional troops to the Middle East. According to Reuters, four B-2 bombers were relocated to the Diego Garcia base, positioning themselves for potential strikes against Iran.