Tehran: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot engaged in a phone discussion focusing on the ongoing escalation in the Middle East region, emphasizing its security and economic repercussions.

According to Anadolu Agency, Araghchi stated that Iran would persist with its 'defensive operations' against the US and Israel, targeting military bases and facilities in the region. He characterized these actions as a 'response' to the US using regional territories and bases to conduct an 'illegal war' against Iran. The Iranian minister criticized certain European countries for limiting their responses to concerns over economic consequences while remaining silent on what he described as 'brutal attacks' against the Iranian people.

Araghchi pointed to US and Israeli actions as the 'main source of insecurity' in the Strait of Hormuz. He mentioned that Tehran permits vessels to transit the waterway with Iranian coordination, but restricts passage for ships from countries involved in the conflict against Iran. He warned that any 'provocative' measures by the US, Israel, and their supporters, including actions at the UN Security Council, would exacerbate the situation.

Barrot reiterated France's opposition to the conflict and attacks on civilian targets. He expressed concern over rising tensions in the region, including in Lebanon, and stressed the importance of political and diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict and restore stability and security.

The regional escalations have persisted since Israel and the US initiated an offensive against Iran on February 28, resulting in over 1,340 deaths, including the then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has responded with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, leading to casualties, infrastructure damage, and disruptions in global markets and aviation.