French Foreign Minister Jean‑Noël Barrot and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone call and agreed to cooperate on de‑escalating the conflict involving Iran. Both pledged to pursue a political solution that preserves collective security and respects the aspirations of the Iranian people. Barrot blamed the Iranian regime for the escalation and criticised its non‑compliance with UN Security Council resolutions, while stressing that France was not involved in US or Israeli operations.
France and China Pledge Joint Effort to De‑Escalate Iran Conflict
FILE PHOTO: French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot speaks during a press conference in Baghdad, Iraq, February 5, 2026. REUTERS/Ahmed Saad/File Photo
French Foreign Minister Jean‑Noël Barrot spoke by phone on March 3 with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to discuss the escalating conflict involving Iran. Both ministers agreed to cooperate on measures aimed at de‑escalation, Barrot’s office said.
A Political Path Forward — The two ministers committed to pursuing a political solution that would guarantee collective security while taking into account the aspirations of the Iranian people, according to the statement.
Barrot reiterated that the Iranian regime bore responsibility for the recent escalation after it "unjustifiably attacked several countries in the region." He further criticised Tehran for failing to abide by United Nations Security Council resolutions concerning its nuclear programme, ballistic‑missile activities and support for non‑state armed groups, and for rejecting good‑faith multilateral negotiations.
He stressed that France was not involved in actions carried out by the United States or Israel and that Paris had no prior knowledge of those operations. Barrot also urged nations to prioritise international institutions when resolving disputes and, where necessary, to consider the legitimate use of force under international law.
The two ministers agreed to keep diplomatic channels open and continue their dialogue on concrete steps to reduce tensions and pursue a negotiated settlement.
(Reporting by Alessandro Parodi; Edited by Inti Landauro and Edwina Gibbs)
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