Iranian foreign minister criticizes French stance on Tehran

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has criticized France's interventionist positions toward Iran, stressing the need for the French embassy to comply with Iranian laws and regulations.

According to the Iranian news agency IRNA, Araghchi made his remarks during a meeting with his French counterpart Jean-Noël Barrot on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. He stated that France's positions on regional developments, particularly regarding US and Israeli military actions against Iran, are unacceptable.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the latest developments in diplomatic relations between Iran and France, as well as regional and international issues. Araghchi reiterated the importance of the French embassy respecting Iran's internal laws and regulations.

Citing the Iranian agency, Araghchi also pointed to what he described as France's double standards on human rights, saying: "France cannot claim to care about human rights while remaining silent on crimes against humanity committed by the Zionist entity and the United States against the Iranian people, including the killing of Iranian women and children, and while cooperating in the enforcement of illegal US sanctions against the Iranian nation."

At the conclusion of the meeting, Araghchi emphasized that the Islamic Republic of Iran believes in relations based on mutual respect and interests with all countries, including France, but will act seriously and firmly to defend its national interests.