France expresses concern over Iran's missile program; Lavrov: Any negotiations must be based on consensus

On Tuesday, March 8, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov responded to the concerns raised by his French counterpart regarding Iran's missile activities, emphasizing the comprehensive implementation of the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) and stating that any negotiations regarding issues related to Iran must be based on participation and consensus. Jean-Yves Le Drian, the French Foreign Minister, who was in Moscow, reiterated his country's commitment to the nuclear deal known as the JCPOA but expressed concerns over Iran's missile activities. Regarding the 'ballistic missile issue,' he stated, 'This situation really worries us'; a topic he intends to raise with Iranian officials during his upcoming visit to Tehran. Since the arrival of Donald Trump's administration, Iran's missile program, along with its 'interventions' in regional countries, has been a primary focus of criticism from the U.S. government, with American officials citing these as examples of Iran's 'destabilizing and destructive' behavior for which the Islamic Republic must be held accountable. On January 12, during the extension of the suspension of sanctions against Iran under the nuclear deal, Trump warned that if the 'catastrophic flaws' in this agreement are not addressed, it would be the last time he would vote to extend the suspension of sanctions. Among Trump's four conditions for amending the JCPOA is the prohibition of the expansion of Iran's ballistic missiles; other Western powers involved in the nuclear agreement have also emphasized the need for dialogue regarding Iran's missile program while maintaining their commitment to the JCPOA. The French Foreign Minister, according to Itar-Tass, reiterated on Tuesday that his country believes 'everything necessary must be done' to ensure that no regional actors face ballistic threats. However, Lavrov's statements appear to carry greater significance, indicating that Moscow is not currently inclined to abandon Tehran. On Monday, March 7, Russia also vetoed a proposed British resolution to extend the arms embargo on Yemen, which expressed concern over violations of these sanctions by Iran. The proposed resolution noted that Iran had not taken necessary actions to prevent the supply of weapons to Yemen in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2216. On Tuesday, Lavrov reiterated support for the JCPOA, stating that 'all issues should only be discussed with Tehran's participation.' He added, 'Just like France, we also believe that the JCPOA must be fully implemented.' However, he continued, 'If other issues related to Iran are to be negotiated within this framework or another, it must be done with Iran's participation and based on consensus, not through ultimatums.' Reuters reported on February 18 that Washington had devised a roadmap regarding Iran for its key European allies, namely Britain, France, and Germany. According to these communications, the U.S. has called for European countries to pursue a complementary agreement with Iran that addresses long-range missiles and Iran's nuclear activities after the ten years stipulated in the Vienna nuclear agreement. The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Tuesday rejected reports about European countries negotiating with the Islamic Republic regarding regional policies 'at the request of the U.S.'