Paris: France “cannot approve” strikes by US and Israeli forces on Iran as they are being carried out outside international law and without clearly defined objectives, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said Tuesday. Speaking on France 2, Barrot stated that the strikes lacked clear strategic goals and did not comply with international legal standards. Barrot emphasized that France is not involved in the conflict, stating, “We do not approve of this war, and we are not participating in it.”

According to Anadolu Agency, Barrot called for rapid de-escalation in the Middle East, urging Iran to change its regional posture. He expressed expectations for Iran to renounce being a destabilizing and dangerous power, emphasizing the need for Tehran to commit to “a radical change of posture and major concessions” to pave the way for a lasting solution in the region.

Barrot also highlighted that several countries have shown interest in participating in an international defensive mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz, an
initiative recently mentioned by French President Emmanuel Macron. Barrot noted that potential participants include “a number of European countries but also countries in the region.”

Regional escalation has intensified since Israel and the US launched a joint attack against Iran on Feb. 28, which resulted in more than 1,200 deaths and 10,000 injuries. The US has dubbed the attacks ‘Operation Epic Fury.’ In response, Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries that host US military assets.