France expressed worry about the US airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites and stressed the need for restraint and calm on Sunday. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot shared this message on social media platform X.

He wrote, “France has taken note with concern of the strikes carried out last night by the United States of America against three sites of Iran’s nuclear programme.”

He also confirmed that France had no role in planning or executing the airstrikes.

Macron to Hold Defense Council Meeting

President Emmanuel Macron plans to hold a Defence and National Security Council meeting at 1730 GMT on Sunday to discuss the situation. The French presidency added that Macron remains committed to working with European and regional partners to prevent further conflict.

France Pushes for Diplomacy, Not War

The French government, along with the European Union, is still backing a diplomatic solution to the conflict between Israel and Iran. France believes that any escalation will only make matters worse.

Barrot urged all involved parties to “exercise restraint to avoid any escalation that could lead to an extension of the conflict.”

Talks With Iran Already Underway

Just two days earlier, on Friday, diplomats from France, Germany, the UK, and the EU held a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Geneva. This meeting came after Israel had launched strikes on Iranian targets the week before.

In these talks, the European side encouraged Iran to return to diplomatic negotiations with the United States in order to solve the ongoing tensions surrounding its nuclear program.

Firm Opposition to Nuclear Weapons

Barrot made France’s position clear: “France has repeatedly expressed its very firm opposition to Iran’s access to nuclear weapons.” He added that France strongly believes in finding a lasting, peaceful solution under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Macron Engages Regional Leaders

Earlier on Sunday, Macron also spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Sultan of Oman. His office said he will continue reaching out to European and Middle Eastern leaders to find ways to ease tensions.