Brussels: French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot warned Monday against uncontrolled military escalation in the Near and Middle East amid ongoing tensions in the region due to US-Israeli strikes against Iran and Tehran's retaliatory attacks.

According to Anadolu Agency, Barrot emphasized the dangers of uncontrolled military actions in the Near and Middle East, stressing that such developments should not divert attention from the conflict in Ukraine. For four years, the security and peace of the European continent have been at stake, compounded by Russia's growing international isolation, Barrot told reporters ahead of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels.

He reaffirmed France's "great determination and resolve" to continue supporting Kyiv and exerting pressure on Moscow, underscoring the importance of maintaining focus on the situation in Ukraine.

In his address, Barrot announced the expansion of current designations and sanctions, including nine new designations targeting war criminals responsible for the massacre in Bucha, Ukraine, in March 2022. Furthermore, four new sanctions have been imposed on Kremlin propagandists, reflecting France's commitment to holding individuals accountable.

The tensions in the Near and Middle East have been escalating since February 28, when Israel and the US launched joint attacks on Iran. These strikes resulted in the death of approximately 1,300 people, including the then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In response, Iran has launched drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.