French Foreign Minister Arrives in Tehran

The French Foreign Minister has arrived in Tehran. Iranian news agencies have mentioned "the JCPOA, Syrian issues, and regional matters" as the main topics of discussion. Jean-Yves Le Drian had stated before his trip to Iran that Tehran must address concerns regarding its missile program. His visit was initially scheduled for before March 5, but widespread protests in various Iranian cities caused a delay. Just hours before his trip to Iran, in an interview with the weekly "Journal du Dimanche," he emphasized that Tehran's missile program, with a range of several thousand kilometers, is contrary to UN Security Council resolutions and that "if this issue is not resolved, Iran will face the risk of new sanctions." France, alongside other European countries, has repeatedly supported the nuclear agreement and urged Donald Trump's administration to adhere to it. Trump, a staunch opponent of the agreement, has called for four components to be added to the nuclear deal: allowing inspections of all sites, preventing Iran from approaching nuclear weapons under any circumstances, removing expiration dates on Iran's nuclear restrictions, and finally addressing Iran's missile program. According to the U.S. President, "the long-range missile program and the nuclear weapons program are inseparable, and Iran's development and testing of missiles should be subject to strict sanctions." European countries supporting the JCPOA have also echoed the U.S. government's stance, requesting Iran to refrain from developing ballistic missiles and actions that threaten regional security and stability. However, the Islamic Republic has rejected these criticisms, asserting that its missile program is defensive and that since Tehran's nuclear program is under verification, the issue of these missiles being capable of carrying nuclear warheads is moot. The French Foreign Minister's statements prior to his trip to Tehran have faced criticism from several conservative media outlets in Iran. The Jam-e Jam newspaper quoted a former Iranian ambassador to Paris, stating, "If Mr. Le Drian is looking for a successful visit, he should avoid discussions where the answers are already clear." The Mehr news agency also described recent French officials' remarks about the missile program as "diversion" and "provocation." However, the missile program is not the only topic that French officials seek to discuss with Tehran. The Syrian crisis, ongoing attacks in Eastern Ghouta, and international organizations' demands for humanitarian assistance to besieged people are other issues likely to be raised in the coming hours and days. On Sunday, Emmanuel Macron, the French President, requested Hassan Rouhani, the Iranian President, to exert "necessary pressure" on Damascus to stop attacks on civilians in Eastern Ghouta during a phone call. According to the French presidential office, in this phone conversation, Mr. Macron emphasized Iran's "special responsibility" regarding the "implementation of a humanitarian ceasefire" in Eastern Ghouta. According to reports from French and Iranian media, Mr. Le Drian's visit to Iran is also a preparatory step for Emmanuel Macron's potential trip to Tehran, although neither side has mentioned a date for this possible meeting. Jean-Yves Le Drian will meet with Mohammad Javad Zarif, the Foreign Minister, and Hassan Rouhani, the President of Iran.