France Expresses Concern Over Iran's 'Expansionist' Intentions in the Region

Jean-Yves Le Drian, the French Foreign Minister, expressed on Thursday, November 16, in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, that his country is concerned about Iran's 'interventions' and 'expansionist' intentions in the region. According to AFP, during a joint press conference with his Saudi counterpart Adel al-Jubeir, he also emphasized France's worries regarding Iran's ballistic missile program. Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, stated last week, 'There is a possibility of sanctions against Iran's missile program.' He added, 'We must negotiate with Iran regarding its missile program.' Agnes Romatet-Espagne, the spokesperson for the French Foreign Ministry, also mentioned on Wednesday that France is concerned about the rapid continuation of Iran's missile program, which is not in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2231 and is a source of instability and insecurity in the region. Resolution 2231, which endorsed the nuclear agreement between Iran and six world powers, known as the JCPOA, requests Iran to refrain from developing ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. On Thursday, the French Foreign Minister also responded to reporters regarding Saad Hariri, the resigned Prime Minister of Lebanon, stating that Lebanon must be protected from foreign intervention. The French President invited Saad Hariri and his family, who are currently in Saudi Arabia, to visit France. Saad Hariri, who had traveled to Riyadh, abruptly announced his resignation twelve days ago and has not returned to Lebanon since, although he promised to return soon. This situation has led to speculation about his conditions in Saudi Arabia, to the extent that Michel Aoun, the President of Lebanon, stated that Riyadh has taken Saad Hariri hostage and that his conditions appear to be that of being under arrest. In his resignation speech, Saad Hariri severely criticized Iran, accusing it of interfering in Lebanon's internal affairs. Previously, the French Foreign Ministry had called for non-intervention by Iran in Lebanon's internal matters, emphasizing that this is an important condition for establishing stability in the region.