France: We Take Iran's Allegations of Violating UN Sanctions Seriously

In response to statements from U.S. officials regarding Iran's role in the missile attack on Saudi Arabia and violations of United Nations sanctions, France announced that it takes these allegations seriously and urged the Iranian government to adhere to all its international commitments. According to Reuters, Alexandre Georgini, a spokesperson for the French Foreign Ministry, stated at a press conference on Wednesday: "We take the U.S. claims seriously, and it is very important for us that Iran remains loyal to all its international commitments, including the arms export ban specified in resolutions 2216 and 2231." However, he declined to answer a question regarding France's support for any potential action by the Security Council against Iran. Previously, Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, had accused Iran of providing the missile that Houthi rebels fired at Saudi Arabia in July. She also called on the United Nations to hold Iran accountable for violating two Security Council resolutions. Iran has denied such allegations, emphasizing that the missile belonged to the Houthis themselves. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani commented: "What reaction can the Yemeni people show against this level of bombardment of their country? They say not to use their weapons? Well, you stop the bombardment." Following Paris's stance on the allegations against Iran, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian stated that he is likely to have a difficult meeting with his Iranian counterpart during his upcoming visit to Iran at the end of this month. He is expected to discuss Iran's regional activities and missile programs, which France considers violations of Security Council resolutions. On October 31, after a meeting at the United Nations Security Council, he said: "We have deep disagreements with Iran regarding (missile programs) and its covert activities or through its proxy forces to create a direct contact route to the Mediterranean coast." In this context, the U.S. Department of Defense praised Saudi Arabia for "revealing" Iran's role in Yemen, while the Houthis threatened to attack airports and ports in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Iran sent a letter to the United Nations in protest against Saudi Arabia's accusations regarding the missile attack, and the White House issued a statement in support of Saudi Arabia and other allies in the Persian Gulf.