In a telephone conversation on Monday, Araqchi and his French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot discussed regional developments and the security and economic consequences of the US and Israeli military aggression against Iran.
The two sides also exchanged views on the ongoing conflict, its broader regional implications, and the need for diplomatic engagement.
Explaining the crimes committed by the US and the Zionist regime during the month-long military aggression against Iran, Araqchi strongly criticized the positions of some European countries that, he said, have merely expressed concern over the economic consequences of this imposed war while remaining silent on the brutal attacks carried out by the aggressors against the Iranian people.
He emphasized the continuation of Iran’s defensive operations against the aggressors, including their military bases and facilities located in the territory of regional countries, and stated that the reason for Iran’s defensive actions in the region is the use by the US of the territory, bases, and installations in these countries to wage an illegal war against Iran.
Araqchi stressed that the root cause of the insecurity imposed on the Strait of Hormuz is the military aggression of the US and the Zionist regime against Iran. He added that this waterway is closed to vessels belonging to parties involved in the military aggression against Iran, noting that the decision has been taken based on the principles of international law and with the aim of preventing aggressors from exploiting the Strait of Hormuz to carry out illegal attacks against Iran. At the same time, he said that the passage of vessels belonging to other countries is continuing in coordination with the competent Iranian authorities.
The Iranian foreign minister also stressed that any provocative actions by the aggressors and their supporters, including at the United Nations Security Council regarding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, would only further complicate the situation.
The French foreign minister, for his part, emphasized his country’s opposition to the imposed war against Iran and to attacks on civilian targets.
He also expressed concern over the escalation of the situation in the region, including in Lebanon, and underscored the need to strengthen political and diplomatic efforts to find a solution to end the war and restore stability and security to the region.
The foreign ministers of Iran and France also exchanged views on certain consular issues and emphasized the continuation of diplomatic engagement at various levels between the two countries.
The US and the Israeli regime launched a large-scale unprovoked military campaign against Iran following the assassination of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, along with several senior military commanders and civilians on February 28.
The attacks have involved extensive aerial strikes on both military and civilian locations across Iran, causing significant casualties and widespread damage to infrastructure.
In response, the Iranian Armed Forces have carried out retaliatory operations, targeting American and Israeli positions in the occupied territories and at regional bases with waves of missiles and drones.