Tehran Accuses French President of 'Biased Approach'

In response to the French President's proposal regarding Iran's missile activities, the Iranian Foreign Ministry on Thursday, February 15, accused him of 'prejudice' and a 'biased approach' aimed at 'reducing Iran's defensive capabilities.' Emmanuel Macron, the French President, emphasized the need to focus on the use of Iranian-made missiles in Yemen and Syria, stating that these missiles pose a 'security threat and challenge to France's allies.' According to Reuters, Macron said, 'We have initiated negotiations with regional parties and also with permanent members of the Security Council, similar to what was done regarding the nuclear agreement, but we have expanded it to regional countries to reduce insecurity and ultimately eradicate it.' He added, 'It is necessary for Iran's ballistic missile program to be under international supervision. This is essential for regional security, and we need a mechanism of sanctions and oversight for it.' In reaction to these comments, the official news agency of the Islamic Republic, IRNA, quoted Bahram Qasemi, the spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, warning that 'the Islamic Republic will never allow others to attempt to reduce Iran's defensive and deterrent capabilities while simultaneously equipping regional countries with various deadly weapons.' According to Qasemi, Iran's missile activities are 'conducted within the framework of Iran's military doctrine,' which is 'based on defensive and deterrent policies.' He further stated, 'What is the real danger is the competition between the United States and some European countries in selling complex and advanced weapons to certain specific countries in the region, which is considered provocative.' He also urged countries like France to refrain from 'exporting various weapons of mass destruction' and 'supporting countries that sponsor Takfiri terrorism.' While this Iranian official and others claim that Iran's missile activities are solely defensive, several regional countries, including Israel, have expressed concern over the presence of Iranian military weapons in countries like Yemen and Syria. Emmanuel Macron's statements came just days after Israel reported downing an 'Iranian drone' on its territory. Iran denied any involvement in the downing of an Israeli fighter jet and the 'flight of an Iranian drone in Israeli airspace.' However, a few days later, Boris Johnson, the British Foreign Secretary, also stated on February 13 that London is concerned about Iran's role in border confrontations between Israel and Syria. Israeli media reported that 'three European powers' conveyed Israel's 'strong message' to Iran regarding Syria and Lebanon to Hassan Rouhani, the President of Iran.