As Iran anticipates some sanctions being lifted following a memorandum agreement with the United States, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot asserted that France would not agree to lift United Nations sanctions on Tehran unless convinced that nuclear program discussions meet their expectations.
Barrot, whose country holds veto power in the UN Security Council, stated on 'France Info' radio that the region will not experience stability unless US-Iranian talks resolve issues related to Iran's ballistic missile program and its support for allied armed groups. He added, "We need a radical change in Iran's stance."
Lebanon Front
The French minister also urged Israel to adhere to the protocol of the agreement signed Wednesday between the US and Iran, which mandates a halt to hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon, following new Israeli strikes on the south and Bekaa Valley. He stated, "This agreement stipulates a cessation of hostilities, and the Israeli government must adhere to it; the United States particularly should exert all necessary pressure on the Israeli government to comply," according to AFP.
This call came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated on Thursday that Israeli forces would remain in Lebanon "as long as necessary," emphasizing that Tel Aviv would maintain a "security zone in southern Lebanon" as long as Israel's security needs demand it.
The memorandum of understanding signed by US President Donald Trump and Iranian counterpart Masoud Bezhekian on Wednesday night outlined a ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon.
It also included a clause among its 14 points regarding the US commitment to lift all forms of sanctions imposed on Tehran, including UN Security Council resolutions and IAEA Board of Governors decisions, along with all primary and secondary US unilateral sanctions, following an agreed timetable as part of the "final agreement."
Furthermore, it mentioned the US's commitment, upon signing the memorandum and until the conclusion of lifting sanctions, to ensuring that the US Treasury Department issues waivers for the export of Iranian crude oil, petroleum products, and derivatives, along with all related services, including banking transactions, insurance, and transportation.