Iran de-escalation efforts faced sharp criticism from Tehran, highlighting rising diplomatic tensions with France. The spokesman for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, Esmaeil Baghaei, accused French authorities of ignoring clear violations of international law by the US and Israel. Baghaei posted on his X account Wednesday, calling French officials “acquiescent” toward violence in Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran. He said France failed to hold the aggressors accountable and urged Iran to de-escalate.
Baghaei compared this to asking the French Resistance to stand down during the Nazi invasion. The remarks followed French President Emmanuel Macron’s statement on Tuesday. Macron urged Iran to engage in “negotiations in good faith” to create a path toward de-escalation. He emphasized diplomacy as the main method to reduce regional tensions, despite US-Israeli attacks on Iran that started February 28.
Macron also stressed that Iran should address international concerns about its nuclear and ballistic programs. He called on Tehran to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has tightly controlled the strait since the attacks began. French officials did not note that Iran targets US military assets in the region. They also ignored that some regional countries allow attacks from their territory.
In response, Tehran said ships from nations not involved in the aggression can pass freely through the strait. Since the conflict began, Iran has launched retaliatory attacks against US interests and Israeli-occupied territories. Tehran says these measures reflect its right to self-defense. Experts note that the tension shows the fragile state of diplomacy in the Middle East. Calls for Iran de-escalation clash with uneven enforcement of international law.
Analysts warn regional instability could rise if European powers focus only on Iran’s conduct. Looking ahead, Iran may continue its retaliatory measures while remaining open to talks under fair conditions. Observers expect diplomatic friction to continue, as France seeks negotiations while Tehran insists on security recognition. Iran de-escalation remains central to regional stability. Conflicting views on international law make meaningful progress uncertain.