French President Calls for 'International Oversight' on Iran's Missile Program

Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, stated that Iran's ballistic missile program should be placed 'under international oversight.' Macron emphasized that Paris seeks adherence to the 'JCPOA' (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action). On February 14, he noted that France advocates for compliance with the comprehensive agreement following the nuclear deal in July 2015, as no better alternatives have been proposed. Furthermore, Emmanuel Macron stressed the need to focus on the use of Iranian-made missiles in Yemen and Syria, as these missiles pose a security risk and challenge to France's allies. According to Reuters, Macron stated, 'We have initiated negotiations with regional parties and also with the permanent members of the Security Council, similar to what was done regarding the nuclear agreement, but we have extended it to the regional countries to reduce insecurity and ultimately eradicate it.' He added, 'It is necessary for Iran's ballistic missile program to be under international oversight. This is essential for regional security, and we need a mechanism of sanctions and a supervisory framework for it.' Macron's statements came just days after Israel reported the downing of an 'Iranian drone' on its territory; at the same time, an Israeli F-16 fighter jet was targeted by anti-aircraft systems during operations in Syria and ultimately crashed in Israel. Iran has denied 'interference in the downing' of the Israeli fighter jet and 'the flight of the Iranian drone over Israeli territory.' Recent events in Syria have elicited various reactions. British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson stated on February 12 that London is concerned about Iran's role in border confrontations between Israel and Syria. Israeli media also reported that 'three European powers' conveyed Israel's 'strong message' to Iran regarding Syria and Lebanon to Hassan Rouhani, the President of Iran. On February 14, Nikki Haley, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, stated that Iranian-backed militias in Syria have taken a dangerous step by sending a drone into Israeli airspace, escalating tensions between Israel and Syria. Emmanuel Macron also referenced Syria in his remarks on February 14, although he did not disclose many details: 'I want to have a meeting regarding Syria in the coming weeks aimed at eliminating ballistic missile activities in Syria, which have put all regional powers at risk.' The French Foreign Minister is set to travel to Tehran soon. Macron has previously criticized Iran's actions in the West Asian region, Tehran's missile program, and what critics of the Islamic Republic call 'interference' in the affairs of other countries while supporting adherence to the nuclear agreement. In November, Macron described Iran's activities in the region as very concerning and stated that 'there is a possibility of sanctions against Iran's missile program.' The U.S. government under Donald Trump has criticized the nuclear agreement established during Barack Obama's administration. Trump himself described this agreement as 'the worst' he has seen and called for reforms or its dismantling, which has faced opposition from Washington's European allies. However, European countries have aligned with the U.S. regarding Tehran's actions in the region and have even issued joint statements and letters on this matter. Iran has stated it is not willing to renegotiate the nuclear agreement. Tehran also claims that since it does not intend to build nuclear weapons, its missile program is not pursued for carrying nuclear warheads and thus does not conflict with the demands or prohibitions of the Security Council. On the other hand, Abbas Araghchi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, stated on February 8 that the U.S. and Europe must first assure Tehran about the 'success' of the nuclear agreement before seeking to negotiate other issues. Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday referred to Iran's influence in Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen, stating that Tehran's foreign policy 'sometimes causes instability and it is necessary to start a dialogue with the Iranian government on this matter.' Macron said, 'In my opinion, any military solution to the current situation is wrong. We have spent too much time on ballistic and regional activities.'