Iran's nuclear program is approaching the 'point of no return', says France's Macron | Political Affairs

The French president says Paris will discuss the incoming administration of US President-elect Donald Trump on the 'Iranian question'.

French President Emmanuel Macron has called Iran a “great strategic and security challenge” for Europeans in the Middle East, raising concerns about Tehran's nuclear program.

Speaking to French ambassadors around the world on Monday, the French president also criticized Iran for supporting what he called “dangerous groups” across the Middle East and supporting Russia's war efforts in Ukraine.

“The acceleration of the nuclear program is bringing us closer to the point of no return,” Macron said.

France is part of the 2015 nuclear deal that saw Iran curb its nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions against its economy – a deal the United States made in 2018.

After withdrawing from the deal, the US reimposed sanctions on the Iranian economy and imposed additional penalties.

In response, Iran began enriching uranium to high levels, shortening the time needed to obtain nuclear weapons from months to weeks.

Iran's leaders have repeatedly denied that they are seeking nuclear weapons. But the country and its allies – including Lebanon's Hezbollah – have faced bitter backlash from Israel in recent months, raising concerns that Tehran could propose a nuclear bomb to restore the regional blockade.

Tensions between Iran and the West may continue as former US President Donald Trump returns to the White House later this month.

During his first term, 2017-2021, Trump pulled the US out of the nuclear deal and launched a campaign of “maximum pressure” against Iran.

He also ordered the assassination of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in 2020, bringing the two countries to the brink of an endless war.

While portraying himself as an anti-war politician, Trump has appointed several foreign policy hawks who favor regime change in Iran to key positions in his incoming cabinet.

On Monday, Macron said France would work with the new US administration on the “Iranian question”.

The French president also spoke about the war in Ukraine, saying the US should help “convince Russia to come to the negotiating table”.

He warned that “captivation by Ukraine will not be good for Europeans and Americans”, saying that the credibility of the West will “disappear” if they agree to compromise on Ukraine out of “fatigue”.

The US and its Western allies have provided Ukraine with tens of billions of dollars in military and financial aid since Russia launched its invasion of the country in 2022.

Nevertheless, Macron said that Ukrainians need “realistic discussions on local issues”.

Ukraine has said it will fight to return all territories taken by Russia, including Crimea, which was annexed by Moscow in 2014.