Macron Calls for Comprehensive Dialogue on Iran's Missile Program and Regional Role

Simultaneously with the Iranian President's request for practical action from the countries committed to the JCPOA to save this agreement, his French counterpart called for more dialogue regarding the Islamic Republic's missile program and Tehran's role in the Middle East. On Monday, September 5, Hassan Rouhani, in a phone conversation with Emmanuel Macron, emphasized Iran's desire to remain in the JCPOA, stating that 'if the future of the European implementation plan regarding financial and monetary channels, oil, insurance, and transportation is not clear,' the Islamic Republic 'will take other actions.' Mr. Rouhani did not provide further details but added that Iran has adhered to 'all its commitments' under the JCPOA. According to him, given the unilateral withdrawal of the United States from this agreement, Tehran 'expects the other parties to expedite and clarify their plans to maintain this agreement.' His remarks come after the announcement of the United States' withdrawal from the agreement, where the European Union pledged to consider economic packages to preserve this agreement if Iran remains committed to the JCPOA. Meanwhile, according to Reuters, the French President, in his call with Rouhani, reaffirmed his country's commitment to the JCPOA and called for broader dialogue between Iran and the West on other areas, including the Islamic Republic's missile program and Iran's role in the Middle East. He added that Paris will do its utmost to prevent a serious crisis in this regard in the coming months. Although the European Union disagrees with the United States regarding the withdrawal from the JCPOA, leaders of several European countries, including Macron and Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, have repeatedly expressed concern about Iran's missile program and the Islamic Republic's activities in the Middle East. Western countries, especially the United States, accuse the Islamic Republic of Iran and its executive arm, the Quds Force of the Revolutionary Guards, of being involved in regional wars in Syria and Yemen, jeopardizing peace and stability in the region. On the other hand, Tehran has repeatedly threatened that if the U.S. prevents the sale of Iranian oil in global markets, oil from other countries should not be exported through the Strait of Hormuz; statements that have faced criticism and clear reactions from U.S. officials.