France declared on Monday that Iran must be prepared to make "major concessions" to resolve the ongoing crisis, as international pressure mounted on Tehran during a United Nations session concerning its control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Barrot's Address to the UN Security Council
Speaking at the UN Security Council, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated, "There can be no lasting solution to this crisis unless the Iranian regime agrees to major concessions and a radical shift in its stance." He emphasized that Iran must demonstrate a path toward "peaceful coexistence within its region and for the Iranian people to be able to build freely their own future." This comes months after the cleric-led state harshly suppressed widespread protests.
International Pressure and Joint Call
Barrot participated in a session initiated by Bahrain, where dozens of countries jointly called for Iran to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This waterway serves as the gateway to the Gulf and facilitates the transit of approximately one-fifth of the world's oil supply. In response to attacks, Iran has moved to assert control over the strait, proposing a toll system, thereby defying warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has watched global oil prices surge with frustration.
U.S. Accusations and Iran's Defense
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, accused Iran of violating international law by laying mines in international waterways. He described Iran's actions as making them "international criminal pirates of the straits," adding, "Tehran admits to these crimes, but it's so incompetent, it also admits to not knowing where the mines are." Iran's envoy, Amir Saeid Iravani, later countered that Iran requires "credible guarantees" against future attacks before it can ensure "lasting stability and security in the Persian Gulf" and beyond. He also accused the United States of acting like pirates and terrorists, targeting commercial vessels through coercion and intimidation.
Criticism of U.S. and Israel
Barrot, while condemning Iran's actions, did not hesitate to blame the United States and Israel, stating that they initiated the conflict "without a clearly defined goal and outside of international law." However, he asserted that "the Iranian regime bears the overwhelming responsibility for this situation," citing its obstinacy regarding nuclear and ballistic missile programs and its continued support for terrorist groups.
Call for Coalition
Waltz called for a coalition of like-minded partners to step up with real capabilities to assist. The Trump administration, which often criticizes international law and institutions when U.S. actions are questioned, has also criticized NATO allies for not supporting the United States in the war, despite not having consulted them beforehand. Trump has insisted that the U.S. does not need help, but Waltz's remarks suggest a shift toward seeking international cooperation.
